The Thirsty Soul: Psalms 63-65

In the face of peril, King David yearns to be constantly closer to Hashem. He delights in the thought of the Holy Temple and foresees the future of his offspring. He sees that his descendent, the Prophet Daniel, will be facing identical dangers that he faced. King David not only prays for Daniel, but for each of us as well.

The Tranquil Soul: Psalms 60-62

Despite no respite from both internal and external enemies, King David succeeds in maintaining a tranquil soul. What is his secret?

Escape from Darkness: Psalms 57-59

King David suffered unspeakable emotional and physical hardships. These included imminent death in captivity on more occasions than one. Prophetically, he felt our pain and wrote these Psalms for us too.

Wings of a Dove: Psalms 54-56

Sometimes our troubles are so tormenting that we'd be happy to sprout wings like a dove and just fly away to a place of peace. King David felt exactly like that when he had no rest from enemies, both foreign and domestic. Prophetically, he felt our pain and wrote these Psalms for us too.

Renewal of the Spirit: Psalms 51-53

Confessing one's wrongdoings to the Almighty does more than merely cleansing one's soul. It rejuvenates the spirit. A rejuvenated spirit is a healthy spirit, and a healthy spirit is a happy spirit.

The Story of Passover, Part 3: Exodus From Egypt

The 210 years of exile and 116 years of slavery in Egypt ended with on the eve of the 15th of Nissan, 2448 in the Hebrew calendar. This was the year 1312 BCE. Hashem gave a most difficult command to the Israelites. Each family had to slaughter a lamb, which the Egyptians held sacred as their prime deity. This was an act of total dedication to the Almighty, where emuna had to prevail over logic and fear. Such dedication triggered the final exodus from Egypt, in a remarkable chain of events that we learn in todays lesson.

The Story of Passover: Part 1, Slavery in Egypt

How did a fierce, proud and independent people like the Israelites fall into slavery in Egypt? Why did they have to suffer unspeakable atrocities? Here, in first of our 3-Part "Story of Passover," we gain a deeper appreciation of the Passover holiday and of true freedom. 

It Won't Last Forever: Psalms 49-50

Rebbe Nachman explains that one of two things happens to money: either Hashem takes the money away from the person, or He takes the person away from the money. They don't last together. King David wonders why people invest so much in something that slips through their fingers...

When Mountains Collapse: Psalms 46-48

King David is preparing us for the imminent day when all the nations join together against Israel. They'll advance toward Jerusalem, but they're in for a big surprise.

A Melody of Trust: Psalms 43-45

What do you do when you feel low? If you play a musical instrument, grab it! If not, clap your hands and start humming the tune that comes into your head. Plug into your true source of strength - the Almighty – which is unlimited. You'll soon be singing a melody of trust that your soul composed. It worked for King David and it will work for us.

Like a Yearning Deer: Psalms 40-42

A thirsty deer has been walking for hours in the forest. With its keen sense of smell, it detects a freshwater stream in the distance. The deer now runs to the stream. Despite its yearning for a drink of water, it first raises its head and emits a call of thanks to the Creator. King David's thirsty soul yearned for Hashem in the same way.

Cry of the Lonely: Psalms 38-39

Maybe you feel alone in the world. Even your relatives and best friends are indifferent to your pain. You feel ill or downtrodden and all the "fair-weather friends" are no longer at your side. Don't lose hope; Psalms 38 and 39 are for you. King David was in the same situation; he can talk to your heart.