Tehillim · A Psalm for the moment
Which Tehillim do we say for the peace of Israel?
The psalm most closely tied to the peace of Israel is Tehillim 122, with its call to ask for the peace of Jerusalem. In a time of war it is customary to add Psalms 83 and 130.
The psalm of Jerusalem's peace
Psalm 122 gives us the line that has become the prayer itself: שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם, Sha'alu shelom Yerushalayim, ask for the peace of Jerusalem. The verse does not merely wish for peace; it commands us to seek it, to put it into words. To say this psalm is to take that request onto your own lips.
When the days are hard
The sources here are Psalms 122, 83 and 130. In a time of war and danger it is a widespread custom to add Psalm 83, which cries out when enemies gather against the people, and Psalm 130, the song from the depths that pleads for mercy. Together they hold the two halves of such a moment: the plain naming of the danger, and the turning of the heart upward.
What to do
Say Psalm 122 for the peace of Jerusalem whenever it is on your heart. When the news is heavy and war is near, add Psalms 83 and 130. For how your own community is saying these in the present hour, follow the guidance of your rabbi.
Source: Tehillim 122, 83 and 130.
When the moment turns grave and you want the right psalms ready at once, let Kolí (the Tehillim for the moment you are living) gather them for you.
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