Tehillim 27 During the Month of Elul
Tehillim 27 During the Month of Elul
The holy Arizal (of blessed memory) taught that whoever reads the 27th chapter of Tehillim in the Holy Tongue twice a day (morning and evening) until the end of Yom Kippur is assured that the Thirteen Gates of Mercy will be opened for him.
Why this particular psalm?
The Arizal points out that in this psalm, the Holy Name of Hashem is mentioned 13 times, and with each utterance of this Name, one of the 13 Gates of Rachamim is opened for the Jew.
The holy Ari guaranteed that anyone who recites Psalm 27 twice a day with kavanah (preferably from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur, although many continue until Hoshana Rabbah), in the evening and morning, is assured a good year; and even if the verdict has already been issued, it will be annulled.
All the prosecuting angels will be powerless against him and his family, and he will be vindicated at the Heavenly Tribunal, because Hashem will open the Thirteen Gates of Mercy for him.
Moreover, the Mekubalim explain that the 27th chapter of Tehillim contains 13 references to the Name of G-d, which protects us from all evil decrees when we are judged during the Three Regalim.
Here are the words associated with the festivals:
- “Ori” refers to Rosh Hashanah,
- “Yishi” refers to Yom Kippur,
- “Ki yitzpeneni v’sukkoh” refers to Sukkot.
It is also said that the Name of Hashem, repeated 13 times and symbolizing Rachamim, corresponds to the “13 Attributes,” which are recited as part of Selichot during Elul and Tishrei.
Interestingly, the penultimate line of the psalm begins with the word לולא — “luleh”, which consists of the same letters as the name of the month “Elul” — אלול.
Therefore, reciting Psalm 27 throughout the entire month of Elul has the power to eliminate any evil decrees that may have been or may be issued during this period. This psalm is considered so effective for various yeshuot (salvations) that some authorities recommend reciting it every day of the year.
(based on a lesson by Rabbanit Yamima Mizrachi and an article by Rabbi Ari Elkin)
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Tags: The Hidden Meaning of Tehillim, Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, Tehillim 27, The Month of Elul, The Connection Between Tehillim 27 and the Month of Elul, Tehillim 27 in Elul and the 13 Attributes of Mercy, Tehillim 27 During the Month of Elul
