Perek Shirah
Attributed to the authorship of the King of Israel, David, and his son, Solomon.
(According to some commentators, the praises of Perek Shirah are more powerful than the praises of Tehillim.)
The holy writings of the Arizal state that the angels in Heaven, who follow all of creation, cannot begin singing to praise the Holy One, blessed be He, until people on earth begin reciting Perek Shirah.
Therefore, every time we recite Perek Shirah, we give the angels in Heaven the strength to sing.
In essence, this gives us tremendous power.
We also return our gratitude to all of creation—the wild animals, livestock, birds, and so forth—for the strength they gave us at the time of the Creation of the world, when each of them contributed its goodness to man, the crown of creation.
Moreover, man is called a messenger of the community of all creation. Thus, within him there is a part of every created being, and when a person sanctifies and purifies himself, he elevates and raises all of creation, bringing it to exceedingly exalted and elevated realms.
Accordingly, in these days and at a time when a person faces many conflicts and difficult struggles, he recites Perek Shirah in holiness, and then others are also privileged to sing this song.
He thereby receives great strength to stand against difficult conflicts.
Gaon Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto, when asked whether Perek Shirah may be recited on Shabbat, answers that since the gates of Gehinnom are closed on Shabbat, Perek Shirah is not recited. He cites the words of the great commentator Rabbi Yaakov Emden, the Yaavetz, who wrote that for one who does not observe Shabbat, the gates of Gehinnom are not closed, and he may recite it. ("Zimrat Ha-Aretz" on Perek Shirah (the Beit Yaakov siddur)
Introduction
Amar Rabbi (Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Nasi) kol ha'osek be-Perek Shirah ba'olam hazeh zocheh lilmod u-lelamed, lishmor vela'asot u-lekayem ve-talmudo mitkayem be-yado ve-yinatzel mi-yetzer hara u-mi-pega ra u-mehibut ha-kever u-mi-din shel Gehinnom u-mehevlo shel Mashiach u-ma'arich yamim ve-zocheh li-yemot ha-Mashiach u-le-chayei ha'olam ha-ba.
Tanya amar Rabbi Eliezer kol ha-omer shirah zo ba'olam hazeh zocheh ve-omrah la'olam ha-ba, shene'emar az yashir Moshe, shar lo ne'emar ela yashir oto le-atid lavo.
Tanya Rabbi Eliezer Ha-Gadol omer: kol ha'osek be-Perek Shirah zeh be-chol yom, me'id ani alav, she-hu ben ha'olam ha-ba ve-yinatzel mi-pega ra, u-mi-yetzer hara, u-mi-din kasheh, u-mi-Satan, u-mi-kol minei mashchit u-mazikim. Gemor be-chol levavcha u-ve-chol nafshecha la-da'at derachai ve-lishmor daltot heichali ve-Torati ve-lishmor mitzvotai ve-chukai.
Netzor Torati be-levavcha ve-neged einecha tihyeh yirati, shemor picha u-leshonecha mi-kol chet ve-ashmah va-ani eheyeh imcha be-chol makom she-telech ve-alamedcha sechel u-vinah mi-kol davar. Ve-ave yode'a she-kol mah she-barah HaKadosh Baruch Hu lo bara ki im li-chvodo, shene'emar kol ha-nikra vi-shmi ve-li-chvodi berativ, yetzartiv af asitiv.
Amru chachamim, zichronam livrachah, al David Ha-Melech Yisrael be-sha'ah she-siyem Sefer Tehillim zachah da'ato alav ve-amar lifnei HaKadosh Baruch Hu, yesh briyah she-barata be-olamcha she-omeret shirot ve-tishbachot yoter mimeni. Be-otah sha'ah nizdamnah lo tzefarde'a achat ve-amrah lo: David, al tazuch da'atcha aleha she-ani omeret shirot ve-tishbachot yoter mimcha. Ve-lo od ela kol shirah she-ani omeret mamshelet aleha shloshet alafim mashalim, shene'emar va-yedaber shloshet alafim mashal va-yehi shiro chamishah va-elef, ve-lo od ela she-ani oseket be-mitzvah gedolah, ve-zo hi ha-mitzvah she-ani oseket bah, yesh bisfat ha-yam min echad she-ein parnasato ki im min ha-maim u-ve-sha'ah she-hu ra'ev notlani ve-ochlani, zo hi ha-mitzvah le-kayem mah she-ne'emar (Mishlei 35, 31) im ra'ev son'acha ha'achilehu lechem, ve-im tzame ashkehu mayim ki gechalim atah choteh al rosho ve-Ado-nai yeshalem lach, al tikri yeshalem ela yashlimenu lach;
Translation
Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Nasi taught that everyone who studies Perek Shirah in this world will merit studying and teaching, guarding and observing, fulfilling and carrying out—his learning will be established in his hands. He will overcome his evil inclination, be saved from accidents, suffering after death, the judgment of Gehinnom, and the birth pangs preceding the coming of Mashiach. He will merit longevity, witnessing the days of Mashiach, and life in the World to Come.
Tana Rabbi Eliezer held that anyone who sang this song in this world would merit singing it in the World to Come.
Tana Rabbi Eliezer, known as the Great, said that everyone who engages in Perek Shirah every day in this world has a share in the World to Come, will overcome his evil inclination, and will be saved from accidents, harsh judgment, Satan, and all kinds of destructive and harmful forces.
And it is said: “With all your heart and all your soul, complete your knowledge of My ways; guard the entrances to My sanctuary and My Torah; observe My commandments and statutes; preserve My Torah in your heart, and let fear of Me be before your eyes.”
Guard your mouth and tongue from every sin and guilt, and I will be with you wherever you go, teaching you wisdom and understanding of every matter. Know that everything HaKadosh Baruch Hu created was created solely for His honor, as it is said: “Everything called by My Name and created for My glory, I formed, created, and made.”
Our Sages, of blessed memory, related that when David, King of Israel, completed the Book of Psalms, he became proud, thinking that there was no other creature in the universe that praised and glorified the Creator more than he did. Then he encountered a frog and learned that even such an inconspicuous and unattractive creature sang to the Creator with numerous parables, no less than he did.
Part 1
Shamayim omrim (The Heavens say):
שָׁמַיִם אוֹמְרִים: הַשָּׁמַיִם מְסַפְּרִים כְּבוֹד אֵל וּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדָיו מַגִּיד הָרָקִיעַ:
- “Ha-shamayim mesaperim kevod El, u-ma'aseh yadav magid ha-rakia.” (Tehillim 19:2)
(The heavens declare the glory of G-d, and the firmament tells of His handiwork.)
Eretz omeret (The Earth says):
אֶרֶץ אוֹמֶרֶת. לַיי הָאָרֶץ וּמְלוֹאָהּ תֵּבֵל וְיֹשְׁבֵי בָּה:
ואומר. מִכְּנַף הָאָרֶץ זְמִרֹת שָׁמַעְנוּ צְבִי לַצָדִיק:
- “La-Ado-nai ha-aretz u-melo'ah, tevel ve-yoshvei vah.” (Tehillim 24:1)
Va-yomer:
- “Mi-knaf ha-aretz zemirot shamanu, tzvi la-tzadik.” (Yeshayahu 24:16)
(The earth is the L-rd’s, together with all that fills it; the world and its inhabitants.)
And it says:
(From the edge of the earth we have heard songs: “Glory to the righteous one.”)
Gan Eden omer (The Garden of Eden says):
גַּן עֵדֶן אוֹמֵר. עוּרִי צָפוֹן וּבוֹאִי תֵימָן הָפִיחִי גַנִּי יִזְּלוּ בְשָׂמָיו יָבֹא דוֹדִי לְגַנּוֹ וְיֹאכַל פְּרִי מְגָדַיו:
- “Uri tzafon, u-voi teiman, hafichi gani, yizlu vesamav; yavo dodi le-gano ve-yochal pri megadav.” (Shir HaShirim 4:16)
(Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind; blow upon my garden, let its fragrances flow. Let my beloved enter his garden and eat its precious fruits.)
Gehinnom omer (Gehinnom says):
גֵּיהִנֹּם אוֹמֵר. כִּי הִשְׂבִּיעַ נֶפֶשׁ שֹׁקֵקָה וְנֶפֶשׁ רְעֵבָה מִלֵּא טוֹב:
- “Ki hisbia nefesh shokekah, ve-nefesh re'evah milei tov.” (Tehillim 107:9)
(For He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.)
Midbar omer (The Wilderness says):
מִדְבַּר אוֹמֵר. יְשֻׂשׂוּם מִדְבָּר וְצִיָּה וְתָגֵל עֲרָבָה וְתִפְרַח כַּחֲבַצָּלֶת:
- “Yesusum midbar ve-tziyah, ve-tagel aravah ve-tifrach ka-chavatzalet.” (Yeshayahu 35:1)
(The wilderness and the parched land shall rejoice, and the desert shall exult and blossom like a lily.)
Sadot omrim (The Fields say):
שָׂדוֹת אוֹמְרִים. יי בְּחָכְמָה יָסַד אָרֶץ כּוֹנֵן שָׁמַיִם בִּתְבוּנָה:
- “Ado-nai be-chochmah yasad aretz, konen shamayim bi-tevunah.” (Mishlei 3:19)
(The L-rd founded the earth with wisdom and established the heavens with understanding.)
Mayim omrim (The Waters say):
מַיִם אוֹמְרִים. לְקֹול תִּתֹּו הֲמֹון מַיִם בַּשָּׁמַיִם וַיַּעַל נְשִׂאִים מִקְצֵה אָרֶץ
- “Le-kol tito hamon mayim ba-shamayim, va-ya'al nesiyim mi-ketzeh aretz.” (Yirmeyahu 51:16)
(At the sound of His giving forth, the waters roar in the heavens; He brings up clouds from the end of the earth.)
Yamim omrim (The Seas say):
יָמִים אוֹמְרִים. מִקֹּלוֹת מַיִם רַבִּים אַדִּירִים מִשְׁבְּרֵי יָם אַדִּיר בַּמָּרוֹם יי:
- “Mi-kolot mayim rabim adirim mishberei yam, adir ba-marom Ado-nai.” (Tehillim 93:4)
(Mightier than the sound of mighty waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, is the L-rd on high.)
Neharot omrim (The Rivers say):
נַהֲרוֹת אוֹמְרִים. נְהָרוֹת יִמְחֲאוּ כָף יַחַד הָרִים יְרַנֵּנוּ
- “Neharot yimchau chaf, yachad harim yeranenu.” (Tehillim 98:8)
(The rivers clap their hands; the mountains rejoice together.)
Ma'ayanot omrim (The Springs say):
מַעְיָנוֹת אוֹמְרִים. וְשָׁרִים כְּחֹלְלִים כָּל מַעְיָנַי בָּךְ:
- “Ve-sharim ke-cholelim—kol ma'ayanai vach.” (Tehillim 87:7)
(And singers and dancers will say: “All my springs are in You.”)
Part 2
Yom omer (The Day says):
יוֹם אוֹמֵר. יוֹם לְיוֹם יַבִּיעַ אֹמֶר וְלַיְלָה לְּלַיְלָה יְחַוֶּה דָּעַת:
- “Yom le-yom yabia omer, ve-laylah le-laylah yechaveh da'at.” (Tehillim 19:3)
(Day to day utters speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.)
Laylah omer (The Night says):
לַיְלָה אוֹמֵר. לְהַגִּיד בַּבֹּקֶר חַסְדֶּךָ וֶאֱמוּנָתְךָ בַּלֵילוֹת:
- “Le-hagid ba-boker chasdecha, ve-emunatecha ba-leilot.” (Tehillim 92:3)
(To proclaim Your kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness at night.)
Shemesh omer (The Sun says):
שֶׁמֶשׁ אוֹמֵר. שֶׁמֶשׁ יָרֵחַ עָמַד זְבֻלָה לְאוֹר חִצֶּיךָ יְהַלֵּכוּ לְנֹגַהּ בְּרַק חֲנִיתֶּךָ:
- “Shemesh yareach amad zevulah, le-or chitzechah yehalេchu, le-nogah berak chanitecha.” (Chavakuk 3:11)
(The sun and moon stood still in their abode; by the light of Your arrows they moved, by the radiance of Your glittering spear.)
Yareach omeret (The Moon says):
יָרֵחַ אוֹמֶרֶת. עָשָׂה יָרֵחַ לְמוֹעֲדִים שֶׁמֶשׁ יָדַע מְבוֹאוֹ:
- “Asah yareach le-mo'adim, shemesh yada mevo'o.” (Tehillim 104:19)
(You made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its setting.)
Kochavim omrim (The Stars say):
כּוֹכָבִים אוֹמְרִים. אַתָּה הוּא יי לְבַדֶּךָ אַתָּה עָשִׂיתָ אֶת הַשָּׁמַיִם שְׁמֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וְכָל צְבָאָם הָאָרֶץ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר עָלֶיהָ הַיַּמִּים וְכָל אֲשֶׁר בָּהֶם וְאַתָּה מְחַיֶּה אֶת כֻּלָּם וּצְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם לְךָ מִשְׁתַּחֲוִים:
- “Atah hu Ado-nai levadecha, atah asita et ha-shamayim, shmei ha-shamayim ve-chol tzeva'am, ha-aretz ve-chol asher aleha, ha-yamim ve-chol asher bahem, ve-atah mechayeh et kulam, u-tzeva ha-shamayim lecha mishtachavim.” (Nechemiah 9:6)
(You, L-rd, alone are He; You made the heavens, the highest heavens and all their host, the earth and all that is upon it, the seas and all that is in them, and You give life to them all; and the host of heaven bows before You.)
Avim omrim (The Clouds say):
עָבִים אוֹמְרִים. יָשֶׁת חֹשֶׁךְ סִתְרוֹ סְבִיבוֹתָיו סֻכָּתוֹ חֶשְׁכַת מַיִם עָבֵי שְׁחָקִים:
- “Yashet choshech sitro, sevivotav sukkato, cheshkat mayim avei shechakim.” (Tehillim 18:12)
(He made darkness His hiding place; He surrounded Himself with it as a shelter, with the darkness of waters and thick clouds.)
Ananei Kavod omrim (The Clouds of Glory say):
עַנְנֵי כָּבוֹד אוֹמְרִים. אַף בְּרִי יַטְרִיחַ עָב יָפִיץ עֲנַן אוֹרוֹ:
- “Af beri yatriach av, yafitz anan oro.” (Iyov 37:11)
(He loads the clouds with abundant water; the cloud spreads its light.)
Ruach omer (The Wind says):
רוּחַ אוֹמֵר. אֹמַר לַצָּפוֹן תֵּנִי וּלְתֵימָן אַל תִּכְלָאִי הָבִיאִי בָנַי מֵרָחוֹק וּבְנוֹתַי מִקְצֵה הָאָרֶץ:
- “Omar la-tzafon teni, u-le-teiman al tichla'i, havi'i vanai me-rachok u-venotai mi-ketzeh ha-aretz.” (Yeshayahu 43:6)
(I will say to the north, “Give forth,” and to the south, “Do not hold back”; bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth.)
B'rakim omrim (The Lightning says):
בְּרָקִים אוֹמְרִים. בְּרָקִים לַמָּטָר עָשָׂה מוֹצֵא רוּחַ מֵאוֹצְרוֹתָיו:
- “Berakim la-matar asah, motzei ruach me-otzrotav.” (Tehillim 135:7)
(He makes lightning for the rain and brings wind out of His treasuries.)
Tal omer (The Dew says):
טַל אוֹמֵר. אֶהְיֶה כַטַּל לְיִשְׂרָאֵל יִפְרַח כַּשּׁוֹשַׁנָּה וְיַךְ שָׁרָשָׁיו כַּלְּבָנוֹן:
- “Ehyeh ka-tal le-Yisrael, yifrach ka-shoshanah ve-yach sharashav ka-Levanon.” (Hoshea 14:6)
(I will be like dew to Israel; he shall blossom like a lily and strike roots like the cedars of Lebanon.)
Geshamim omrim (The Rains say):
גְּשָׁמִים אוֹמְרִים. גֶּשֶׁם נְדָבוֹת תָּנִיף אֱלֹקים נַחֲלָתְךָ וְנִלְאָה אַתָּה כוֹנַנְתָּהּ
- “Geshem nedavot tanif Elokim, nachalatcha ve-nil'ah atah konantah.” (Tehillim 68:10)
(You poured down abundant rain, O G-d; You revived Your weary inheritance.)
Part 3
Ilanot she-ba-sadeh omrim (The trees in the fields say):
אִילָנוֹת שֶׁבְּשָׂדֶה אוֹמְרִים. אָז יְרַנְּנוּ עֲצֵי הַיָּעַר מִלִּפְנֵי יי כִּי בָא לִשְׁפּוֹט אֶת הָאָרֶץ:
- “Az yeranenu atzei ha-ya'ar mi-lifnei Ado-nai, ki va lishpot et ha-aretz.” (Divrei HaYamim I, 16:33)
(Then the trees of the forest will sing out before the L-rd, for He has come to judge the earth.)
Gefen omeret (The Vine says):
גֶּפֶן אוֹמֶרֶת. כֹּה אָמַר יי כַּאֲשֶׁר יִמָּצֵא הַתִּירוֹשׁ בָּאֶשְׁכּוֹל וְאָמַר אַל תַּשְׁחִיתֵהוּ כִּי בְרָכָה בּוֹ כֵּן אֶעֱשֶׂה לְמַעַן עֲבָדַי לְבִלְתִּי הַשְׁחִית הַכֹּל:
- “Koh amar Ado-nai: ka'asher yimatzet ha-tirosh ba-eshkol, ve-amar, al tashchitehu ki verachah bo; ken e'eseh le-ma'an avadai, le-vilti hashchit ha-kol.” (Yeshayahu 65:8)
(Thus said the L-rd: As wine is found in a cluster, and one says, “Do not destroy it, for there is blessing in it,” so will I do for My servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all.)
Te'enah omeret (The Fig Tree says):
תְּאֵנָה אוֹמֶרֶת. נֹצֵר תְּאֵנָה יֹאכַל פִּרְיָהּ:
- “Notzer te'enah yochal pir'yah.” (Mishlei 27:18)
(Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit.)
Rimon omer (The Pomegranate says):
רִמּוֹן אוֹמֵר. כְּפֶלַח הָרִמּוֹן רַקָּתֵךְ מִבַּעַד לְצַמָּתֵךְ:
- “Kefelach ha-rimon rakateich miba'ad letzamateich.” (Song of Songs 4:3)
(Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate behind your veil.)
Tamar omer (The Date Palm says):
תָּמָר אוֹמֵר. צַדִּיק כַּתָּמָר יִפְרָח כְּאֶרֶז בַּלְּבָנוֹן יִשְׂגֶּה:
- “Tzadik ka-tamar yifrach, ka'erez ba-Levanon yisgeh.” (Tehillim 92:13)
(The righteous shall flourish like a date palm; like a cedar of Lebanon, he shall grow tall.)
Tapuach omer (The Apple says):
תַּפּוּחַ אוֹמֵר. כְּתַפּוּחַ בַּעֲצֵי הַיַּעַר כֵּן דּוֹדִי בֵּין הַבָּנִים בְּצִלּוֹ חִמַּדְתִּי וְיָשַׁבְתִּי וּפִרְיוֹ מָתוֹק לְחִכִּי:
- “Ke-tapuach ba'atzei ha-ya'ar ken dodi bein ha-banim, betzilo chמדתי veyashavti u-firyo matok lechiki.” (Song of Songs 2:3)
(Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men! I sat in his shade and delighted, and his fruit was sweet to my palate.)
Shibolet Chitim omeret (The Wheat Stalks say):
שִׁבֹּלֶת חִטִּים אוֹמֶרֶת. שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת מִמַּעֲמַקִּים קְרָאתִיךָ יי
- “Shir ha-ma'alot, mima'amakim keraticha, Adonai.” (Tehillim 130:1)
(A Song of Ascents. From the depths I call to You, O L-rd.)
Shibolet Se'orim omeret (The Barley Stalks say):
שִׁבֹּלֶת שְׂעוֹרִים אוֹמֶרֶת. תְּפִלָּה לְעָנִי כִי יַעֲטֹף וְלִפְנֵי יי יִשְׁפֹּךְ שִׂיחוֹ
- “Tefillah le-ani ki ya'atof, velifnei Adonai yishpoch sicho.” (Tehillim 102:1)
(A prayer of the afflicted when he is faint and pours out his plea before the L-rd.)
She'ar Shibolim omrim (The Other Stalks in the Fields say):
שְׁאַר שִׁבּוֹלִים אוֹמְרִים. לָבְשׁוּ כָרִים הַצֹּאן וַעֲמָקִים יַעַטְפוּ בָר יִתְרוֹעֲעוּ אַף יָשִׁירוּ
- “Lavshu charim ha-tzon va'amakim ya'atfu var, yitroa'u af yashiru.” (Tehillim 65:14)
(The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are covered with grain; they shout for joy and sing.)
Yerekot she-ba-sadeh omrim (The Field Vegetables say):
יְרָקוֹת שֶׁבַּשָּׂדֶה אוֹמְרִים. תְּלָמֶיהָ רַוֵּה נַחֵת גְּדוּדֶהָ בִּרְבִיבִים תְּמֹגְגֶנָּה צִמְחָהּ תְּבָרֵךְ:
- “Telameha raveh, nachet gedudeha; birvivim temogegenah, tzimchah tevarech.” (Tehillim 65:11)
(You water its furrows, settling its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth.)
Desha'im omrim (The Grasses say):
דְּשָׁאִים אוֹמְרִים. יְהִי כְבוֹד יי לְעוֹלָם יִשְׂמַח יי בְּמַעֲשָׂיו:
- “Yehi kevod Adonai le-olam, yismach Adonai be-ma'asav.” (Tehillim 104:31)
(May the glory of the L-rd endure forever! May the L-rd rejoice in His works.)
Part 4
Tarnegol omer (The Rooster says):
תַּרְנְגוֹל אוֹמֵר. בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁבָּא הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אֵצֶל הַצַּדִּיקִים בְּגַן עֵדֶן, זוֹלְפִים כֹּל אִילָנֵי גַּן עֵדֶן בַּשָּׁמַיִם, וּמְרַנְּנִים וּמְשַׁבְּחִים, וְאָז גַּם הוּא מִתְעוֹרֵר וּמְשַׁבֵּחַ:
- “Besha'ah she-ba ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu etzel ha-tzadikim be-Gan Eden, zolfim kol ilanei Gan Eden besamim u-meranנים u-meshabchim, ve-az gam hu mit'orer u-meshabe'ach.”
(When the L-rd comes to the righteous in the Garden of Eden, all the trees of the Garden of Eden scatter fragrances and sing praise, and then the rooster too awakens and praises.)
Be-kol Rishon omer (The first time he calls out):
בְּקוֹל רִאשׁוֹן אוֹמֵר
שְׂאוּ שְׁעָרִים רָאשֵׁיכֶם וְהִנָּשְׂאוּ פִּתְחֵי עוֹלָם וְיָבוֹא מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד׃ מִי זֶה מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד יי עִזּוּז וְגִבּוֹר יי גִּבּוֹר מִלְחָמָה:
- “Se'u she'arim rasheichem ve-hinase'u pitchei olam, ve-yavo Melech ha-Kavod: Mi zeh Melech ha-Kavod? Adonai izuz ve-gibor, Adonai gibor milchamah.” (Tehillim 24:7–8)
(Raise your heads, O gates; lift yourselves up, everlasting entrances, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is the King of Glory? The L-rd, mighty and powerful, the L-rd, mighty in battle.)
Be-kol Sheni omer (The second time he calls out):
בְּקוֹל שֵׁנִי אוֹמֵר
שְׂאוּ שְׁעָרִים רָאשֵׁיכֶם וּשְׂאוּ פִּתְחֵי עוֹלָם וְיָבֹא מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד ׃ מִי הוּא זֶה מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד יי צְבָאוֹת הוּא מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד סֶלָה:
- “Se'u she'arim rasheichem u-se'u pitchei olam, ve-yavo Melech ha-Kavod: Mi hu zeh Melech ha-Kavod? Adonai Tzevaot, Hu Melech ha-Kavod, selah.” (Tehillim 24:9–10)
(Raise your heads, O gates; lift up, everlasting entrances, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is He, this King of Glory? The L-rd of Hosts—He is the King of Glory, selah.)
Be-kol Shlishi omer (The third time he calls out):
בְּקוֹל שְׁלִישִׁי אוֹמֵר
עִמְדוּ צַדִּיקִים וְעִסְקוֹ בַּתּוֹרָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּהְיֶה שְׂכַרְכֶם כָּפוּל לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא :
- “Imdu tzadikim ve-isקו ba-Torah kedei she-yiheh secharchem kaful le-olam ha-ba.”
(The righteous shall stand and engage in Torah, so that their reward in the World to Come will be doubled.)
Be-kol Revi'i omer (The fourth time he calls out)
בְּקוֹל רְבִיעִי אוֹמֵר
לִישׁוּעָתְךָ קִוִּיתִי יי:
- “Li-shu'atecha kiviti, Adonai.” (Genesis 48:18)
(I await Your salvation, O L-rd.)
Be-kol Chamishi omer (The fifth time he calls out):
בְּקוֹל חֲמִישִׁי אוֹמֵר
עַד מָתַי עָצֵל תִּשְׁכָּב מָתַי תָּקוּם מִשְּׁנָתֶךָ:
- “Ad matai atzel tishkav, matai takum mi-shnatecha”. (Proverbs 6:9)
(How long will you lie there, O lazy one? When will you rise from your sleep?)
Be-kol Shishi omer (The sixth time he calls out):
בְּקוֹל שִׂישִׂי אוֹמֵר
אַל תֶּאֱהַב שֵׁנָה פֶּן תִּוָּרֵשׁ פְּקַח עֵינֶיךָ שְׂבַע לָחֶם:
- “Al te'ehav sheinah pen tivareish; p'kach einecha, seva lachem”.
(Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes and be satisfied with bread.)
Be-kol Shevi'i omer (The seventh time he calls out):
בְּקוֹל שְׁבִיעִי אוֹמֵר
עֵת לַעֲשׂוֹת לַיי הֵפֵרוּ תּוֹרָתֶךָ:
- “Et la'asot la-Adonai; heiferu Toratecha.” (Tehillim 119:126)
(It is time to act for the L-rd; they have violated Your Torah.)
Tarnegolet omeret (The Hen says):
תַּרְנְגֹלֶת אוֹמֶרֶת. נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ:
- “Noten lechem le-chol basar, ki le-olam chasdo.” (Tehillim 136:25).
(He gives food to all flesh, for His kindness endures forever.)
Yonah omeret (The Dove says):
יוֹנָה אוֹמֶרֶת. כְּסוּס עָגוּר כֵּן אֲצַפְצֵף אֶהְגֶּה כַּיּוֹנָה דַּלּוּ עֵינַי לַמָּרוֹם אֲדֹנָ׳ עָשְׁקָה לִּי עָרְבֵנִי:
אוֹמֶרֶת יוֹנָה לִפְנֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא, רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלַם, יִהְיוּ מְזוֹנוֹתַי מְרוֹרִים כְּזַיִת בְּיָדְךָ, וְאַל יִהְיוּ מְתוּקִים כִּדְבַשׁ, עַל יְדֵי בַּשָּׁר וְדָם:
- “Ke-sus agur ken atzaftef, eheggeh ka-yonah; dalu einai la-marom, Adonai, ashkah li, areveni.” (Isaiah 38:14)
- “Omeret yonah lifnei ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu: Ribono shel olam, yihyu mezonotai merurim ke-zayit be-yadecha, ve-al yihyu metukim ki-dvash al yedei basar va-dam.” (Tractate Eruvin 18:2)
(I twitter like a swallow and a crane; I coo like a dove; my eyes are raised heavenward, O L-rd; I am oppressed—help me.)
(She says: Master of the Universe, let my sustenance be bitter like an olive, provided it comes from Your hand, and let it not be sweet like honey received through flesh and blood.)
Nesher omer (The Eagle says):
נֶשֶׁר אוֹמֵר. וְאַתָּה יי אֱלֹקים צְבָאוֹת אֱלֹקי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָקִיצָה לִפְקֹד כָּל הַגּוֹיִם אַל תָּחֹן כָּל בֹּגְדֵי אָוֶן סֶלָה:
- “Ve-atah Adonai Elohim Tzevaot, Elohei Yisrael, hakitzah lifkod kol ha-goyim, al tachon kol bogdei aven, selah.” (Tehillim 59:6)
(You, L-rd, G-d of Hosts, G-d of Israel! Awaken to punish all the nations; show no mercy to any treacherous evildoers. Selah.)
Agur omer (The Crane says):
עָגוּר אוֹמֵר. הוֹדוּ לַיי בְּכִנּוֹר בְּנֵבֶל עָשׂוֹר זַמְּרוּ לוֹ:
- “Hodu la-Adonai be-chinor, be-nevel asor zamru lo.” (Tehillim 33:2)
(Give thanks to the L-rd with the lyre; sing praises to Him with a ten-stringed harp.)
Tzipor omer (The Bird says):
צִפּוֹר אוֹמֵר. גַּם צִפּוֹר מָצְאָה בַיִת וּדְרוֹר קֵן לָהּ אֲשֶׁר שָׁתָה אֶפְרֹחֶיהָ אֶת מִזְבְּחוֹתֶיךָ יי צְבָאוֹת מַלְכִּי וֵאלֹקי:
- “Gam tzipor matzah bayit u-drור ken lah asher shatah efrocheha, et mizbechotecha, Adonai Tzevaot, Malki ve-Elohai.” (Tehillim 84:4)
(Even the bird finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young—so do I find refuge at Your altars, L-rd of Hosts, my King and my G-d.)
Senunit omeret (The Swallow says):
סְנוּנִית אוֹמֶרֶת. לְמַעַן יְזַמֶּרְךָ כָבוֹד וְלֹא יִדֹּם יי אֱלֹי לְעוֹלָם אוֹדֶךָּ:
- “Lema'an yezamercha chavod ve-lo yidom, Adonai Elohai; le-olam odeka.” (Tehillim 30:13)
(So that my soul may sing Your praise and not be silent, O L-rd my G-d! I will thank You forever.)
Tasit omeret (The Talis says):
טַסִּית אוֹמֶרֶת. עֶזְרִי מֵעִם יי עֹשֵׂה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ:
- “Ezri me-im Adonai, oseh shamayim va-aretz.” (Tehillim 121:2)
(My help comes from the L-rd, Maker of heaven and earth.)
Tziyah omeret (The Albatross says):
צִיָּה אוֹמֶרֶת. אוֹר זָרֻעַ לַצַּדִּיק וּלְיִשְׁרֵי לֵב שִׂמְחָה:
- “Or zarua la-tzadik u-le-yishrei lev simchah.” (Tehillim 97:11)
(Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.)
Retzifi omeret (The Owl says):
רְצִפִי אוֹמֵר. נַחֲמוּ נַחֲמוּ עַמִּי יֹאמַר אֱלֹקיכֶם:
- “Nachamu nachamu ami yomar Eloheichem.” (Isaiah 40:1)
(Comfort, comfort My people, says your G-d.)
Chasidah omeret (The Heron says):
חֲסִידָה אוֹמֶרֶת. דַּבְּרוּ עַל לֵב יְרוּשָׁלִַם וְקִרְאוּ אֵלֶיהָ כִּי מָלְאָה צְבָאָהּ כִּי נִרְצָה עֲוֹנָהּ כִּי לָקְחָה מִיַּד יי כִּפְלַיִם בְּכָל חַטֹּאתֶיהָ:
- “Dabru al lev Yerushalayim ve-kir'u eleha ki male'ah tzeva'ah, ki nirtzah avonah, ki lakchah mi-yad Adonai kiflayim be-chol chatoteha.” (Isaiah 40:2)
(Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her term has been completed, her iniquity forgiven, for she has received from the hand of the L-rd double for all her sins.)
Orev omer (The Raven says):
עוֹרֵב אוֹמֵר. מִי יָכִין לָעֹרֵב צֵידוֹ כִּי יְלָדָיו אֶל אֵ׳׳ל יְשַׁוֵּעוּ:
- “Mi yachin la-orev tzeido ki yeladav el El yeshave'u.” (Job 38:41)
(Who provides the raven with its food when its young cry out to G-d, wandering without nourishment?)
Zarzir omer (The Starling says):
זַרְזִיר אוֹמֵר: נוֹדַע בַּגּוֹיִם זַרְעָם וְצֶאֱצָאֵיהֶם בְּתוֹךְ הָעַמִּים כָּל רֹאֵיהֶם יַכִּירוּם כִּי הֵם זֶרַע בֵּרַךְ יי:
- “Ve-noda ba-goyim zaram ve-tze'etza'eihem betoch ha-amim; kol ro'eihem yakirum ki hem zera berach Adonai.”
(Their offspring and descendants will be known among the nations; all who see them will recognize them as the seed whom the L-rd has blessed.)
Avaz she-ba-bayit omeret (The Domestic Goose says):
אֲוַז שֶׁבַּבַּיִת אוֹמֶרֶת. הוֹדוּ לַיי קִרְאוּ בִשְׁמוֹ הוֹדִיעוּ בָעַמִּים עֲלִילוֹתָיו: שִׁירוּ לוֹ זַמְּרוּ לוֹ שִׂיחוּ בְּכָל נִפְלְאוֹתָיו:
- “Hodu la-Adonai, kir'u vi-shmo, hodi'u va-amim alilotav. Shiru lo, zamru lo, sichu be-chol nifl'otav.” (Tehillim 105:1)
(Give thanks to the L-rd! Call upon His name. Make His deeds known among the nations. Sing to Him, praise Him, speak of all His wonders.)
Avaz ha-bar ha-meshotetet ba-midbar ke-she-ro'ah et Yisrael oskim ba-Torah omeret (The Wild Goose Wandering in the Desert says):
אֲוַז הַבָּר הַמְּשׁוֹטֶטֶת בַּמִּדְבָּר כְּשֶׁרוֹאֵה אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל עוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה אוֹמֶרֶת. קוֹל קוֹרֵא בַּמִּדְבָּר, פָּנוּ דֶּרֶךְ יי, יַשְׁרוּ בַּעֲרָבָה מְסִלָּה לֶאֱלֹקינוּ, וְעַל מְצִיאוּת מְזוֹנוֹתֶיהָ בַּמִּדְבָּר אוֹמֶרֶת: אָרוּר הַגֶּבֶר אַשֵּׁר יִבְטַח בָּאָדָם, בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בְּיי וְהָיָה יי מִבְטָחוֹ:
- “Kol korei ba-midbar, panu derech Adonai, yashru ba-aravah mesilah le-Eloheinu.” (Isaiah 40:3)
And when it finds sustenance, it says:
- “Arur ha-gever asher yivtach ba-adam, baruch ha-gever asher yivtach ba-Adonai, ve-hayah Adonai mivtacho.” (Jeremiah 17:5–7)
(When it sees Israel engaged in Torah, it says: In the wilderness, clear the way for the L-rd! Make a straight highway in the desert for our G-d.)
(Thus says the L-rd: Cursed is the man who relies on another human being; blessed is the man who relies only on the L-rd, with the L-rd alone as his refuge.)
Perogiyot omrim (The Ducklings say)
פְרוֹגִיוֹת אוֹמְרִים. בִּטְחוּ בַיי עֲדֵי עַד כִּי בְּיָהּ יי צוּר עוֹלָמִים:
- “Bitchu va-Adonai adei ad, ki be-Yah Adonai Tzur olamim.” (Isaiah 26:4)
(Trust in the L-rd forever and ever, for G-d the L-rd is the Rock of worlds.)
Rachamah omeret (The Vulture says):
רַחֲמָהּ אוֹמֶרֶת. אֶשְׁרְקָה לָהֶם וַאֲקַבְּצֵם כִּי פְדִיתִים וְרָבוּ כְּמוֹ רָבוּ:
- “Eshrekah lahem va-akabetzem, ki feditiм ve-rabu kemo rabu.” (Zechariah 10:8)
(I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have redeemed them, and they will increase as they once increased.)
Tziporet Keramim omeret (The Vine Grasshopper says):
צִפֹּרֶת כְּרָמִים says: I lift my eyes toward the mountains; from where will my help come?
- “Essa einai el he-harim, me’ayin yavo ezri.” (Tehillim 121:1)
(I lift my eyes toward the mountains: from where will my help come?)
Chasil says (The Locust says):
חָסִיל אוֹמֵר. יי אֱלֹקי אַתָּה אֲרוֹמִמְךָ אוֹדֶה שִׁמְךָ כִּי עָשִׂיתָ פֶּלֶא עֵצוֹת מֵרָחוֹק אֱמוּנָה אֹמֶן:
- “Adonai Elohai, atah aromimkha, odeh shimkha, ki asita pele, etzot merachok emunah omen.” (Isaiah 25:1)
(O L-rd, You are my G-d; I will exalt You, I will praise Your Name, for You have performed wonders; ancient plans are faithful and true.)
Shemamit says (The Lizard says):
שְׂמָמִית אוֹמֶרֶת. הַלְלוּהוּ בְצִלְצְלֵי שָׁמַע הַלְלוּהוּ בְּצִלְצְלֵי תְרוּעָה:
- “Halleluhu be-tziltzelei shama, halleluhu be-tziltzelei teru’ah.” (Tehillim 150:5)
(Praise Him with resounding strings; praise Him with the sound of the shofar.)
Zevuv says (The Fly says):
זְבוּב אוֹמֵר. בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁאֵין יִשְׂרָאֵל עוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה, קוֹל אֹמֵר קְרָא וְאָמַר מָה אֶקְרָא כָּל הַבָּשָׂר חָצִיר וְכָל חַסְדּוֹ כְּצִיץ הַשָּׂדֶה: יָבֵשׁ חָצִיר נָבֵל צִיץ כִּי רוּחַ יי נָשְׁבָה בּוֹ אָכֵן חָצִיר הָעָם: יָבֵשׁ חָצִיר נָבֵל צִיץ וּדְבַר אֱלֹקינוּ יָקוּם לְעוֹלָם:
בּוֹרֵא נִיב שְׂפָתָיִם שָׁלוֹם שָׁלוֹם לָרָחוֹק וְלַקָּרוֹב אָמַר יי וּרְפָאתִיו:
- “Be-sha’ah she-ein Yisrael osim ba-Torah. Kol omer: Kera! Ve-amar: Mah ekra? Kol ha-basar chatzir, ve-khol chasdo ke-tzitz ha-sadeh: yavesh chatzir, naval tzitz, u-devar Eloheinu yakum le-olam.” (Isaiah 40:6–8)
- “Borei niv sefatayim, shalom shalom la-rachok ve-la-karov, amar Adonai u-refativ.”
(When Israel does not engage in Torah; a voice says: Cry out! And I said: What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all its kindness is like a flower of the field; the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the L-rd, our G-d, endures forever.)
(The One who creates the speech of the lips: peace, peace, to the distant and to the near, says the L-rd, and I will heal him.)
Taninim say (The Great Sea Creatures say):
תַּנִּינִים אוֹמְרִים. הַלְלוּ אֶת יי מִן הָאָרֶץ תַּנִּינִים וְכָל תְּהֹמוֹת:
- “Hallelu et Adonai min ha-aretz, taninim ve-khol tehomot.” (Tehillim 148:7)
(Praise the L-rd from the earth, great sea creatures and all the creatures of the depths.)
Leviathan says (The Leviathan says):
לִוְיָתַן אוֹמֵר. הוֹדוּ לַיי כִּי טוֹב כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ:
- “Hodu la-Adonai ki tov, ki le-olam chasdo.” (Tehillim 136:1)
(Give thanks to the L-rd, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.)
Dagim say (The Fish say):
דָּגִים אוֹמְרִים. קוֹל יי עַל הַמָּיִם אֵ׳׳ל הַכָּבוֹד הִרְעִים יי עַל מַיִם רַבִּים:
- “Kol Adonai al ha-mayim, El ha-kavod hirim, Adonai al mayim rabbim.” (Tehillim 29:3)
(The voice of the L-rd is upon the waters; the G-d of glory thunders; the L-rd is upon mighty waters.)
Tzefarde’a says (The Frog says):
צְפַרְדֵּעַ אוֹמֶרֶת. בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלַם וָעֶד:
- “Barukh shem kevod malkhuto le-olam va-ed.”
(Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.)
Part 5
Behemah dakah tehorah says (Small Kosher Animals say):
בְּהֵמָה דַּקָּה טְהוֹרָה אוֹמֶרֶת. מִי כָמֹכָה בָּאֵלִם יי מִי כָמֹכָה נֶאְדָּר בַּקֹּדֶשׁ נוֹרָא תְהִלֹּת עֹשֵׂה פֶלֶא:
- “Mi khamokha ba-elim, Adonai, mi kamokha nedar ba-kodesh, nora tehilot oseh fele.” (Exodus 15:11)
(Who is like You among the mighty, O L-rd? Who is like You, mighty and holy, awesome in praise, performing wonders?)
Behemah gasah tehorah says (Large Kosher Animals say):
בְּהֵמָה גַּסָּה טְהוֹרָה אוֹמֶרֶת. הַרְנִינוּ לֵאלֹקם עוּזֵּנוּ הָרִיעוּ לֵאלֹקי יַעֲקֹב:
- “Harninu le-Elohim uzenu, hariu le-Elohei Yaakov.” (Tehillim 81:2)
(Sing joyfully to G-d, our strength; shout triumphantly to the G-d of Jacob.)
Behemah dakah teme’ah says (Small Non-Kosher Animals say):
בְּהֵמָה דַּקָּה טְמֵאָה אוֹמֶרֶת. הֵיטִיבָה יְיָ לַטּוֹבִים וְלִישָׁרִים בְּלִבּוֹתָם:
- “Heitivah Adonai la-tovim, ve-la-yesharim be-libotam”. (Tehillim 125:4)
(Do good, O L-rd, to the good and to the upright in their hearts.)
Behemah gasah teme’ah says (Large Non-Kosher Animals say):
בְּהֵמָה גַּסָּה טְמֵאָה אוֹמֶרֶת. יְגִיעַ כַּפֶּיךָ כִּי תֹאכֵל אַשְׁרֶיךָ וְטוֹב לָךְ:
- “Yegia kapekha ki tokhel, ashrekha ve-tov lakh.” (Tehillim 128:2)
(When you eat from the labor of your hands, you are happy and it is good for you.)
Gamal says (The Camel says):
גַּמַּל אוֹמֵר. יי מִמָּרוֹם יִשְׁאָג וּמִמְּעוֹן קָדְשׁוֹ יִתֵּן קוֹלוֹ שָׁאֹג יִשְׁאַג עַל נָוֵהוּ:
- “Adonai mimarom yishag u-mim’on kodsho yiten kolo, sha’og yish’ag al navehu.” (Jeremiah 25:30)
(The L-rd will roar from on high and raise His voice from His holy abode; He will roar mightily against His dwelling place.)
Sus says (The Horse says):
סוּס אוֹמֵר. הִנֵּה כְעֵינֵי עֲבָדִים אֶל יַד אֲדוֹנֵיהֶם כְּעֵינֵי שִׁפְחָה אֶל יַד גְּבִרְתָּהּ כֵּן עֵינֵינוּ אֶל יי אֱלֹקינוּ עַד שֶׁיְּחָנֵּנוּ:
- “Hineh ke-einei avadim el yad adoneihem, ke-einei shifhah el yad gevirta, ken eineinu el Adonai Eloheinu, ad she-yechonnenu.” (Tehillim 123:2)
(As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so do our eyes look to the L-rd our G-d until He is gracious to us.)
Pered says (The Mule says):
פֶּרֶד אוֹמֵר. יוֹדוּךָ יְיָ כָּל מַלְכֵי אָרֶץ כִּי שָׁמְעוּ אִמְרֵי פִיךָ:
- “Yodukha Adonai kol malkei aretz, ki shame’u imrei fikha.” (Tehillim 138:4)
(All the kings of the earth will praise You, O L-rd, when they hear the words of Your mouth.)
Hamor says (The Donkey says):
חֲמוֹר אוֹמֵר. לְךָ יְיָ הַגְּדֻלָּה וְהַגְּבוּרָה וְהַתִּפְאֶרֶת וְהַנֵּצַח וְהַהוֹד כִּי כֹל בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ לְךָ יְיָ הַמַּמְלָכָה וְהַמִּתְנַשֵּׂא לְכֹל לְרֹאשׁ:
- “Lekha Adonai ha-gedulah ve-ha-gevurah, ve-ha-tiferet, ve-ha-netzach, ve-ha-hod, ki kol ba-shamayim u-va-aretz lekha Adonai ha-mamlakhah ve-ha-mitnase le-khol le-rosh.” (I Chronicles 29:11)
(Yours, O L-rd, are greatness, might, glory, victory, and majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, and You are exalted above all.)
Shor says (The Ox says):
שׁוֹר אוֹמֵר. אָז יָשִׁיר משֶׁה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת לַיי וַיֹּאמְרוּ לֵאמֹר אָשִׁירָה לַּיְיָ כִּי גָאֹה גָּאָה סוּס וְרֹכְבוֹ רָמָה בַיָּם:
- “Az yashir Moshe u-vnei Yisrael et ha-shirah ha-zot la-Adonai, va-yomru lemor: Ashirah la-Adonai ki ga’oh ga’ah, sus ve-rokhevo ramah va-yam.” (Exodus 15:1)
(Then Moses and the Children of Israel sang this song to the L-rd: I will sing to the L-rd, for He is greatly exalted; horse and rider He cast into the sea.)
Chayot ha-sadeh say (The Wild Animals say):
חַיּוֹת הַשָּׂדֶה אוֹמְרִים. בָּרוּךְ הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב:
- “Barukh ha-tov ve-ha-metiv.”
(Blessed is the One who is good and does good.)
Tzvi says (The Deer says):
צְבִי אוֹמֵר. וַאֲנִי אָשִׁיר עֻזֶּךָ וַאֲרַנֵּן לַבֹּקֶר חַסְדֶּךָ כִּי הָיִיתָ מִשְׂגָּב לִי וּמָנוֹס בְּיוֹם צַר לִי:
- “Va-ani ashir uzekha, va-aranen la-boker chasdekha, ki hayita misgav li u-manos be-yom tzar li.” (Tehillim 59:17)
(But I will sing of Your strength and praise Your kindness in the morning, for You have been my fortress and refuge on the day of my distress.)
Pil says (The Elephant says):
פִּיל אוֹמֵר. מַה גָּדְלוּ מַעֲשֶׂיךָ יְיָ מְאֹד עָמְקוּ מַחְשְׁבֹתֶיךָ:
- “Mah gadlu ma’asekha Adonai, me’od amku machshevotekha.” (Tehillim 92:6).
(How great are Your deeds, O L-rd; how exceedingly profound are Your thoughts.)
Aryeh says (The Lion says):
אַרְיֵה אוֹמֵר יְיָ כַּגִּבּוֹר יֵצֵא כְּאִישׁ מִלְחָמוֹת יָעִיר קִנְאָה יָרִיעַ אַף יַצְרִיחַ עַל אֹיְבָיו יִתְגַּבָּר:
- “Adonai ka-gibor yetze, ke-ish milchamot ya’ir kin’ah, yari’a af yatzriach al oyevav yitgabbar.” (Isaiah 42:13)
(The L-rd will go forth like a mighty man, like a warrior He will stir up zeal; He will raise a battle cry, shout aloud, and prevail over His enemies.)
Dov says (The Bear says):
דֹּב אוֹמֵר יִשְׂאוּ מִדְבָּר וְעָרָיו חֲצֵרִים תֵּשֵׁב קֵדָר יָרֹנּוּ ישְׁבֵי סֶלַע מֵרֹאשׁ הָרִים יִצְוָחוּ:
They will give glory to the L-rd and proclaim His praise in the islands.
- “Yisu midbar ve-arav chatzerim, teshev Kedar, yaronu yoshvei sela, me-rosh harim yitzvachu, yasimu la-Adonai kavod u-tehilato ba-iyyim yagidu.” (Isaiah 11:12)
(The desert and its cities will raise their voices, the villages where Kedar dwells; the inhabitants of Sela will rejoice, and from the mountaintops they will shout and give glory to the L-rd, proclaiming His praise in the islands.)
Ze’ev says (The Wolf says):
זְאֵב אוֹמֵר. עַל כָּל דְּבַר פֶּשַׁע עַל שׁוֹר עַל חֲמוֹר עַל שֶׂה עַל שַׂלְמָה עַל כָּל אֲבֵדָה אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַר כִּי הוּא זֶה עַד הָאֱלֹקים יָבֹא דְּבַר שְׁנֵיהֶם אֲשֶׁר יַרְשִׁיעֻן אֱלֹקים יְשַׁלֵּם שְׁנַיִם לְרֵעֵהוּ:
- “Al kol devar pesha, al shor, al chamor, al seh, al salmah, al kol aveidah asher yomar ki hu zeh, ad ha-Elohim yavo devar sheneihem; asher yarshi’un Elohim yeshalem shenayim le-re’ehu.” (Exodus 22:8)
(In every case of a false claim concerning the loss of an ox, donkey, sheep, garment, or any other lost item, when one says, “This is it,” the matter of both parties shall come before G-d; whoever the judges find guilty shall pay double to his fellow.)
Shu’al says (The Fox says):
שׁוּעַל אוֹמֵר. הוֹי בֹּנֶה בֵיתוֹ בְּלֹא צֶדֶק וַעֲלִיּוֹתָיו בְּלֹא מִשְׁפָּט בְּרֵעֵהוּ יַעֲבֹד חִנָּם וּפֹעֲלוֹ לֹא יִתֶּן לוֹ:
- “Oy boneh veito be-lo tzedek, va-aliyotav be-lo mishpat; be-re’ehu ya’avod chinam u-fo’alo lo yiten lo.” (Jeremiah 22:13)
(Woe to one who builds his house through injustice and his upper rooms through wrongdoing, making his fellow work for nothing and not paying him his wages.)
Zarzir says (The Hound says):
זַרְזִיר אוֹמֵר. רַנְּנוּ צַדִּיקִים בַּיְיָ לַיְשָׁרִים נָאוָה תְהִלָּה:
- “Rannenu tzaddikim ba-Adonai, la-yisharim navah tehillah.” (Tehillim 33:1)
(Rejoice, righteous ones, in the L-rd; praise is fitting for the upright.)
Chatul says (The Cat says):
חָתוּל אוֹמֵר. אֶרְדּוֹף אוֹיְבַי וְאַשִּׂיגֵם וְלֹא־אָשׁוּב עַד־כַּלּוֹתָם׃
- “Erdof oyevai ve-asigem, ve-lo ashuv ad kalotam.” (Tehillim 18:38)
(I pursue my enemies, overtake them, and will not turn back until I have destroyed them.)
Part 6
Sheratzim say (The Insects say):
שְׁרָצִים אוֹמְרִים. יִשְׂמַח יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּעֹשָׂיו בְּנֵי צִיּוֹן יָגִילוּ בְמַלְכָּם:
- “Yismach Yisrael be-osav, benei Tziyon yagilu ve-malkam.” (Tehillim 149:2)
(Israel will rejoice in its Maker; the children of Zion will exult in their King.)
Elim she-ba-sheratzim say (The Reptiles say):
אֵלִים שֶׁבַּשְּׁרָצִים אוֹמְרִים. אֶשְׁתְּךָ כְּגֶפֶן פֹּרִיָּה בְּיַרְכְּתֵי בֵיתֶךָ בָּנֶיךָ כִּשְׁתִלֵי זֵיתִים סָבִיב לְשֻׁלְחָנֶךָ:
- “Eshtkha ke-gefen poriyah be-yarketei veitekha, banekha ki-shtilei zeitim saviv le-shulchanekha.” (Tehillim 128:3)
(Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your home; your children, like olive saplings around your table.)
Nachash says (The Snake says):
נָחָשׁ אוֹמֵר. סוֹמֵךְ יְיָ לְכָל הַנֹּפְלִים וְזוֹקֵף לְכָל הַכְּפוּפִים:
- “Somekh Adonai le-khol ha-noflim, ve-zokef le-khol ha-kefufim.” (Tehillim 145:14)
(The L-rd supports all who fall and straightens all who are bowed down.)
Akrav says (The Scorpion says):
עַקְרַב אוֹמֵר. טוֹב יְיָ לַכֹּל וְרַחֲמָיו עַל כָּל מַעֲשָׂיו:
- “Tov Adonai la-kol, ve-rachamav al kol ma’asav.” (Tehillim 145:9)
(The L-rd is good to all; His compassion is upon all His creatures.)
Shablul says (The Snail says):
שַׁבְּלוּל אוֹמֵר. כְּמוֹ שַׁבְּלוּל תֶּמֶס יַהֲלֹךְ נֵפֶל אֵשֶׁת בַּל חָזוּ שָׁמֶשׁ:
- “Kemo shablul temas yahalokh, nefel eshet bal chazu shamesh.” (Tehillim 58:9)
(Let them pass away like a melting snail; like a woman’s miscarriage, may they not see the sun.)
Nemalah says (The Ant says):
נְמָלָה אוֹמֶרֶת. לֵךְ אֶל נְמָלָה עָצֵל רְאֵה דְרָכֶיהָ וַחֲכָם:
- “Lekh el nemalah atzel, re’eh derakheha va-chakham.” (Proverbs 6:6)
(Go to the ant, you lazy one; observe its ways and become wise.)
Akbar says (The Mouse says):
עַכְבָּר אוֹמֵר. וְאַתָּה צַדִּיק עַל כׇּל־הַבָּא עָלַי כִּי־אֱמֶת עָשִׂיתָ וַאֲנִי הִרְשָֽׁעְתִּי׃
- “Ve-atah tzaddik al kol ha-ba alai, ki emet asita, va-ani hirsha’ti.”
(And You are righteous in all that has happened to me, for You have acted faithfully, while I have acted wickedly.)
Chuldah says (The Rat says):
חֻלְדָּה אוֹמֶרֶת. כֹּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָ׳׳הּ הַלְלוּיָהּ.
- “Kol ha-neshamah tehallel Yah, hallelu-Yah.” (Tehillim 150:6)
(Let every soul praise the Creator! Hallelujah!)
Klavim say (The Dogs say):
כְּלָבִים אוֹמְרִים. בֹּאוּ נִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה וְנִכְרָעָה נִבְרְכָה לִפְנֵי יְיָ עֹשֵׂנוּ:
- “Bo’u nishtachaveh venichra’ah, nivrechah lifnei Ado-nai osenu”. (Tehillim 95:6)
(Come, let us bow down and prostrate ourselves; let us kneel before the L-rd, our Maker.)
Conclusion
Rabbi Yeshayah, a disciple of Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa, fasted eighty-five times and said: Dogs, concerning whom it is written that they are brazen and voracious, do not know satiation, yet they have been privileged to sing a song. An angel descended from Heaven and said to him: Yeshayah, how long will you fast over this matter? I swear, and by the word of the Omnipresent, blessed is He, from the day He revealed His secret to the prophet Habakkuk, He has not revealed this matter to any creature in the world. Rather, because you are the disciple of a great man, they sent me from Heaven to clarify this to you. It is written concerning dogs that “to all the Children of Israel no dog shall sharpen its tongue,” and not only that, but they were privileged to process the hides from their excrement, which were used to make tefillin, mezuzot, and a Torah scroll. Therefore, they were privileged to sing a song. As for what you asked, return to your place and do not ask about this matter again, as it is written: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue guards his soul from troubles.” Blessed is the L-rd forever, amen and amen.
Blessed is the L-rd from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem, hallelujah.
Blessed is the L-rd, G-d, the G-d of Israel, Who alone performs wonders.
And blessed be His glorious Name forever, and may His glory fill the entire earth. Amen and amen.
Translation
Rabbi Yeshayah, the disciple of Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa, fasted 85 times (85 is the gematria of the word “peh”—mouth), hoping that through this purification he would understand why dogs—brazen and voracious creatures—have their own song (in “Perek Shirah”).
And because he was the disciple of such a great man, he received an answer from Heaven. The angel explained that this secret, previously revealed only to the prophet Habakkuk, is that dogs did not bark at the Israelites in Egypt. In addition, their excrement was used to process the hides for mezuzot, tefillin, and Torah scrolls. He also reminded him that one who guards his mouth from evil likewise protects his soul from troubles.” (From the booklet “Perek Shirah”)
Blessed is the L-rd forever, amen and amen!
Blessed is the L-rd from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem!
Hallelujah! Blessed is the L-rd, the G-d of Israel, Who alone performs wonders!
And may His glorious Name be blessed forever, and may His glory fill the entire earth. Amen and amen!
Bakashah Achar Amirat Perek Shirah
[A prayer recited after “Perek Shirah”]
“Ribono shel kol ha’olamim, yehi ratzon milfanecha, Ado-nai Elohai ve-Elohei avotai, shebizchut “Perek Shirah” asher karati ve’asakti, shehu shirat adamem atzome’ach vechai, vehamalachim hakedoshim hame’munim aleihem me’et Ado-nai yitbarach, veyitkashrut haShechinah im kol ha’olamot, vekishur ha tachtonim im ha’elyonim, va’amirato keha’akrav at korban al gabei hamizbe’ach. Shetehei sha’ah zu she’at rachamim, she’at hakshavah, she’at ha’azanah venikra’echa veta’anenu, na’atir lecha veta’ater lanu, shetehei olah lefanekha kri’atenu ve’askenu be-Perek Shirah, ke’ilu hisagנו kol hasodot hanifla’ot vehanora’ot asher hem hatmumim bo bechol tena’av. Aḥazirenu bitshuvah shelemah lefanekha, venizkeh lemakom shehanefashot aruchot vehaneshamot nechatzavot misham, u’khilu asinu kol mashe’umal aleinu lehasig, bein begilgul zeh, bein begilgulim acherim velehiyot min ha’olam veha’ozchim la’olam haba im she’ar tzadikim vachasidim.
Umalé kol mishalot libenu letovah (personal requests) vetihyeh im levavenu ve’imrei finu be’et machshevoteinu, ve’im yadeinu be’et ma’aseinu. Vetishlach berachah, vehatzlachah, veharvachah bechol ma’aseh yadeinu. Ume’afar aniyenu tekimenu ume’ashpot dalutenu teromemenu. Uveko’ach hashirah yitmatku kol hagvurot, vetitpashet habrachah bechol ha’olamot. Venizkeh leshorer leatid lavo. Vetashiv Shechinatecha le’ir kodshecha bimheirah veyameinu. Amen.”
Translation
Master of all worlds, may it be Your will, L-rd, my G-d and the G-d of my fathers, that in the merit of Perek Shirah, which I have read, the songs of inanimate nature, plants, and animals—in other words, of the holy angels appointed over them by the Almighty—the songs that bind the Divine Presence with all the worlds, and the lower worlds with the higher ones, whose recitation is like offering a sacrifice upon the altar, may this be a time of mercy, a time of attention, a time of listening, when we call to You and You answer us, when we entreat You and You accept our requests.
May our reading and study of Perek Shirah be counted as though we had grasped all the wondrous and awe-inspiring secrets concealed within it.
Help us attain complete repentance, and may we merit reaching the place from which souls are hewn, as though we had fulfilled everything incumbent upon us, both in this incarnation and in other incarnations.
May we merit being among the righteous and pious who inherit the World to Come.
And fulfill all the wishes of our hearts for the good (personal requests).
Be with our hearts and our mouths at the time of our thoughts, and with our hands at the time of our actions.
Send blessing, success, and prosperity upon all the work of our hands. Raise us from the dust of our poverty and lift us from the refuse of our destitution.
And through the power of this song, may all harsh judgments be sweetened, and may blessing spread throughout all the worlds.
May we merit singing in the World to Come.
And return Your Shechinah to Your holy city speedily, in our days. Amen.
Commentaries on Perek Shirah
Perek Shirah—a segula for 40 days
/перек-шира-или-что-может-быть-сильнее-т/
Segulot of Perek Shirah
- Brings all kinds of salvation;
- One who reads Perek Shirah is considered as though he had built an altar;
- One who reads Perek Shirah becomes a vessel for abundance (shefa) and vitality;
- Protection from the evil inclination and accidents;
- Protection from suffering after death and from the judgment of Gehinnom;
- Protection from the tribulations preceding the coming of Mashiach.
