Tzedakah Through the Recitation of Tehillim

Tzedakah Through the Recitation of Tehillim

The Mekubalim have transmitted, through an unbroken chain, a very powerful practice involving the recitation of Tehillim together with specific acts of tzedakah at specific pesukim to address particular problems. 1. 72 coins (prutot)—72 Expressions of Gratitude to Hashem The Sages teach that Hashem does not favor those who are ungrateful, but He bestows double blessings upon those who give thanks in every situation. 72 is the gematria of the word “Chesed,” the 72 Names of Hashem encoded in the passage about Yam Suf—the 216-letter Name (incidentally, 216 is the gematria of Gevurah). Thus, one should write down 72 expressions of gratitude to Hashem in advance, and then: 1. recite one expression of gratitude, 2. then recite the pasuk from Tehillim (118:1): — “Odu la-Ado-nai ki tov, ki le-olam chasdo,” 3. with each recitation, place one coin into the Kupat Tzedakah 2. 91 coins—for abundant livelihood and wealth Take 91 coins (all of the same denomination—1 shekel, 1 ruble, or 10 cents) and, while reciting the pasuk from Tehillim (90:17): — “Vihi noam Ado-nai Eloheinu aleinu, uma'aseh yadeinu konenah aleinu, uma'aseh yadeinu konenehu” — at the word נֹ֤עַם “noam”, place one coin into the Kupat Tzedakah, and then continue in this manner for the remaining 90 repetitions. 3. 84 coins—for abundant livelihood and wealth Take 84 coins of the same denomination and recite the pasuk from Tehillim (145:16): — “Pote'ach et yadecha, umasbia lechol chai ratzon.” While reciting this pasuk, emphasize the word “yadecha,” place one coin into the Kupat Tzedakah, and continue in this manner for another 83 repetitions. Then take the entire sum and give it to a synagogue or yeshivah. At the same time, ask Hashem for a good livelihood.     (Based on the lessons of Rabbi Yisrael Yakovov, “Tehillim—the Hidden Meaning and Segulot,” for “Silatehilim.com”)