PSALM 128

During the winter months, there is a Jewish tradition of studying a special set of psalms - "tehilim" - on Shabbat afternoons. These psalms, #120-#134, are known as the Shir HaMaalot/Songs of Ascent psalms, as that is the first phrase in each psalm.  Each week, one of these psalms will be presented here.  We have so far covered Psalm 104, the Psalm for the New Month, and Psalms 120-127. This week, we look at Psalm 128, which we can find on page 452 in Siddur Lev Shalem, and in Sefaria at https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.128.2?lang=bi.

Psalm 128 is relatively straightforward.  As part of our covenant, if we (as a people) obey the laws which we have been given (in the Torah), we will be rewarded with prosperity, family, long life and peace, as we live together around the holy city of Jerusalem in Eretz Yisrael.

Psalm 128 (as written in Siddur Lev Shalem)

A song of ascents.

Joyous are all who revere Adoshem, who walk in G-d’s paths;

you shall eat the fruit of your labor, you shall be joyous and prosper.

The woman of the household shall be like a fruitful vine at the edge of your home, your children like olive saplings around your table;

so shall a man who reveres Adoshem be blessed.

From Zion Adoshem shall bless you, and you shall see Jerusalem prosper all the days of your life.

May you live to see your children’s children and all Israel living in peace!