תְּהִלִּים כ״ז Elul · Psalm 27
Psalm 27: the psalm of Elul
“LeDavid, Hashem ori veyishi” — “Of David: Hashem is my light and my salvation.” From Rosh Chodesh Elul, this psalm is said morning and evening. A psalm of courage for the month of judgment.
Light and salvation
The midrash reads each word: “my light,” at Rosh Hashanah; “my salvation,” at Yom Kippur (Vayikra Rabbah 21:4). That is why the psalm opens Elul and accompanies the reader to the end of the festivals. David doesn't ask for the judgment to be lifted: he asks not to be afraid inside it.
When it is said
The custom adds it morning and evening from Rosh Chodesh Elul, and continues through Hoshanah Rabbah (in some communities, through Shemini Atzeret). Nearly fifty days with the same psalm on the lips — not to memorize it, but to be changed by it.
One verse a day
There's no need to say it all at once. One verse each morning, walked slowly, and by Rosh Hashanah you've gone through the whole psalm. That is how My Jewish Day walks it.
Sources: Psalm 27 · Vayikra Rabbah 21:4.
In My Jewish Day, one verse of Psalm 27 each day of Elul, with its translation and its source.