Our Sages teach us (Bava Basra 14b) that King David wrote the Psalms (T’hilim) based on his own experiences, along with the contributions of other great Jewish figures. While the Book of T’hilim was composed mainly by King David, the Gemara (Bava Basra 14b) enumerates ten authors who composed psalms other than King David. The Gemara speaks of these men as “Asarah Z’keinim,” ten Elders, great scholars endowed with profound wisdom and prophetic insight, which enabled them to compose such a sacred text. Psalm 139 was attributed to Adam HaRishon. Another psalm was composed by King Malki-Tzedek. Psalm 89 is attributed to Avraham Avinu. There are 11 hymns composed by Moshe Rabbeinu. There are several chants composed by the Leviim who officiated as singers in the Beis HaMikdash.
For centuries, Jews have turned to T’hilim to give voice to their deepest feelings, both in times of great trouble and of great happiness. T’hilim can unlock our hearts and draw us up towards their exalted greatness.
The Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, says: “If you only knew the power that lies in the verses of T’hilim and their effect in the celestial heights, you would recite them all the time. Know that the chapters of T’hilim break through all barriers and soar aloft from level to level, unimpeded. They intercede before the Master of the Universe and secure their effect with kindness and mercy.”
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Yisrael ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Eliyahu ben Rachel
Robert ben Mazal
Yosef Yehudah ben Devorah
David ben Maya
Yosef Meir ben Malkah Charna
Amir ben Azar Avivah
Binyamin Nesanel ben Brachah Tovah
Eliyahu ben Zoya
Eliyahu ben Sophie
Lavi Rafael ben Olga
Moshe Reuven ben Sima Taybela
Shalom Reuven ben Shima
Shia Hersh ben Surel
Baruch Bendit ben Chanah Gitel
Chai Yitzchak ben Esther Rivkah
Moshe Reuven ben Sima Taybela
Yosef Gideon Yaakov ben Peninah
Rafael ben Sonyah Sarah
Tinok ben Shiran
Alexander ben Shoshanah
Leah bas Michal
Chayah Esther bas Barba
Esther bas Rachel
Tovah Yocheved bas Esther Bukas
Ruchamah Perel Malkah Leah bas Chanah Serel
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Tziporah bas Fruma
Behnaz Chayah bas Yafah
Chayah Rivkah bas Yocheved Kayla
Beindel Frimet bas Rachel Miriam
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
