Tehillim 136 and 26 Generations

Tehillim 136 and 26 Generations

In Psalm 136—the Great Hallel (praise of Hashem)—David HaMelech says the words “Ki le'olam chasdo” — (for His kindness endures forever) 26 times, corresponding to 26 generations. Chazal taught that before the giving of the Torah, the world was sustained through kindness, as it is said: “The world is built through kindness”, because the world had no merit from Torah study, mitzvot, or good deeds. The Holy One, blessed be He, provided sustenance and nourishment for the 26 generations from Adam (the first man) until Moshe Rabbeinu, who received the Torah—all through His kindness: “Ki le'olam chasdo”. (Hacham Menachem Menashe, “Ahavat Chaim,” Kedoshim) The number 26 is also the gematria of the ineffable Name of the Creator, which symbolizes mercy—rachamim. A segula is to recite this psalm when we need the mercy of the Creator.