3 Tehillim, “Yedutun,” for “Hamtakat Dinim” (Sweetening Judgments)

3 Tehillim, “Yedutun,” for “Hamtakat Dinim” (Sweetening Judgments)

In Sefer Tehillim, Psalms 39, 62, and 77 begin with the phrase: “Lamnatze'ach le-Yedutun” (Psalm 39) and “Lamnatze'ach al-Yedutun” (Psalms 62 and 77). The word “Yedutun” in Aramaic means “dinim” (judgments). “Lamnatze'ach” (singing, song) “al-Yedutun” (judgments)—that is, judgments are eased through song. Rashi explains that the word “Yedutun” has the same root as the word “dat” (religion). David HaMelech asked Hashem to take into account the judgments imposed by the nations because of our faith—“al iskei dat ve-gezerot Yisrael”. Through these words, judgments are softened and decrees are annulled. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov continues to explore this subject in “Sefer HaMiddot” (The Book of Traits). He explains that when a person sins, this allows the “Sitra Achra” (the Other Side) to draw near and create problems in his life. In such a case, one should perform “Hamtakat Dinim” (the sweetening of judgments). The word “Yedutun” is the key to this. Rabbi Nachman Goldstein, the Chiriner Rav, author of detailed commentaries on Rabbi Nachman’s principal works, wrote explanations of “Sefer HaMiddot” entitled “Mar'eh Mekomot.” He writes that the power of Psalm 39 to sweeten judgments was derived by Rabbi Nachman from Rashi’s commentary, and its key word is “Yedutun.” If a person needs to perform “Hamtakat Dinim,” it is best to recite these three psalms together. In addition, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov advises reciting the psalms containing the word “Yedutun” when judgments are being brought against Israel, when other nations rise up against Israel.   (Based on a series of lessons by Rabbi Israel Yakobov, “The Power of Tehillim”)