Parshas Shoftim

Devarim


Dovid's L'Dovid

 
It is customary to say the 27th Psalm, “L’Dovid Hashem Ori V’Yishi,” both in the morning and in the evening, during the month of Elul until the last day of Sukkos. The earliest source for this custom, dating back to the year 5466, is the sefer “Shem Tov Katan,” authored by the Baal Shem Tov of Kratchin, Rav Binyomin Beinush HaCohen zt”l. “I offer you a great Kabbalistic secret. Whoever says the 27th Psalm from Rosh Chodesh Elul until the end of Sukkos, even if an evil heavenly edict was pronounced upon him, this psalm will negate it. It has the power to annul and remove all accusers and demonic forces, all evil and difficult decrees, and the individual will merit acquittal from the judgment of the heavenly court.” Although this custom is not mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch or in the writings of the Arizal, this recitation is supported by many holy and ancient works, such as the Sefer “Zechira,” Rav Chaim Cohen’s sefer “Shaarei Ratzon,” and Rav Mordechai Vilakosht’s “Shaar Hamelech.”

There are a number of reasons attributed to the recitation of this Psalm and the efficacy of its words.

1) The name of Hashem is mentioned thirteen times in this Psalm corresponding to the thirteen attributes of mercy. We, thus, evoke the power of Hashem’s mercy through the reading of this psalm (The Haphlaah in his sefer “Panim Yafos” on Chumash).

2) The Midrash, “Shochar Tov,” interprets the words of this psalm as allusions to the Yomim Noraim. “Hashem is my light” refers to Rosh Hashana, “and my salvation” refers to Yom Kippur. The author of the sefer, “Matei Ephraim,” adds that the words, “He will hide me in His shelter” refers to Sukkos. Thus, the psalm serves as a vehicle to connect the solemn days of Teshuva to the joyous days of Sukkos. This emphasizes that only those who make the effort to “sow with tears” will eventually merit to “reap with joy.”


3) The 27th Psalm features the word “Lulei” (“Had I not”), which are the Hebrew letters of Elul, in reverse formation. This alludes to the significance of its recitation in the month of Elul. The sefer “Divrei Yosef” poignantly explains the message of this reverse lettering. “The nature of the deer is to run aimlessly and then, later, turn its head around to assess its position. Similarly, Man endeavors in his pursuits all year, pursuing his illusions. He, too, must reflect and turn his head back during the last month of the year (Elul) to properly assess his path. Thus, the month of Elul is written in reverse to stress the necessity of looking back and reflecting on the validity of the past year’s pursuits.


4) During this time of year we turn to the Almighty with a plethora of requests, such as good health, wealth, children etc. The Gemara in Taanis 8b, however, exhorts us not to make two requests at once, for this might put in jeopardy even one positive response. We, therefore, declare the words of the 27th Psalm, “One thing I ask of Hashem, that shall I seek.” Our multitude of desires are really aimed at one thing, “That I dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life.” The purpose of our abundant requests is to give us the ability to achieve our one goal, to serve Hashem, redefining our many requests as only one (Sefer Shearis Menachem).


With this in mind, let us be careful to say the words of this holy Psalm slowly and with sincere concentration. It is a powerful key to open the gates of mercy, showering upon us the blessing of a Kesivah V’Chasimah Tovah, a sweet and prosperous New Year for all of Klal Yisroel both here and in Eretz Yisroel.