Tehillim 91 on Hanukkah

Tehillim 91 on Hanukkah

On Hanukkah, by the lit Hanukkah candles, Tehillim 91 is recited in an unusual manner—seven times. The Arizal teaches (zechuto yagen aleinu) that by reciting Psalm 91 seven times, we envelop ourselves in the Ohr HaGanuz—corresponding to the seven sefirot and seven middot. 91 is the gematria of the words “malach” (angel)—מלאך, and “amen”—אמן. According to the Arizal, Tehillim 91 is recited aloud seven times and quietly the eighth time. 7 times 91 = 637, which is the gematria of the phrase: “this is the sign between Me and you”—אות היא ביני לבנכם, symbolizing protection; Likewise, על כפים ישאונך—(al kapayim yisa'uncha)—is taken from the twelfth verse of Psalm 91: “[the angels] will carry you in their hands” = also 637—the same idea of protection. The eighth recitation is done quietly because 8 times 91 = 728. 728 is the gematria of “Al tira avdi, Yaakov” (do not fear, My servant, Yaakov)—אל תירא עבדי (Jeremiah 30:10). The Creator calls upon Israel not to fear, pointing to Hashgacha Klalit ve-Hashgacha Pratit. (based on a Hanukkah lesson by Marina Fine) Having finished reading the Hanukkah psalms, we recite the prayer “Ana Bekoach” seven times. The gematria of the phrase “Ana Bekoach” = 88, as is the gematria of the word “nachal” (stream), a word formed as an acronym from the words of the blessings recited when lighting the Hanukkah candles: “Lehadlik Ner Hanukkah”. 88 multiplied by 7 gives 616—which is the 613 mitzvot of the Torah plus the number 3 (the Patriarchs), and is also the gematria of the word “megillah” (scroll), which is absent from Hanukkah (unlike Purim). (Rabbi Alon Anava, based on Sha'ar HaKavanot)