The Special Power of Tehillim During Elul

“The Rambam writes in Hilchot Melachim that King David ‘is the heart of the entire Jewish people.’ Therefore, the service of the heart of all of Israel is embodied within him.

One who recites Tehillim possesses the strength and power of King David. Through the elevated power of David’s service of the heart, a person is able to encompass this within his own prayer. When he recites Tehillim, he comes with the spiritual strength of King David.”

(She’arim BaTefillah, p. 120)

2 Halachot a Day

Two daily halachot from BeHalachah U’BeAggadah, based on the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Which chapter of Tehillim is recommended to recite during the month of Elul, and why?

There is a beautiful custom to recite Psalm 27, “LeDavid Hashem Ori V’Yishi” (“Of David: Hashem is my light and my salvation”), from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Simchat Torah, following the Shacharit prayer.

The Chida wrote, “How good it is to recite it throughout the entire year after prayer,” and this is also the custom of many Sephardic communities.

It is taught that one who recites this psalm from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Simchat Torah is assured that he will live out his days and years with goodness and pleasantness, and that he will emerge from judgment vindicated, meriting a good and peaceful life. Even if, God forbid, a harsh decree has been issued against him, the recitation of this psalm has the power to annul it and remove accusers and adversaries from against him.

May one answer Amen when hearing Selichot over the radio?

A person who recites Selichot at home together with a live radio or satellite broadcast of Selichot may respond with “Amen,” “Yehei Shemei Rabbah,” the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy beginning with “Vaya’avor,” and similar responses. This applies even if there is sometimes a slight transmission delay, and it is considered as though the person has participated in Selichot with a congregation.

However, if the Selichot broadcast is a recording and is not being transmitted live, one does not fulfill the obligation through it and may not respond “Amen” or make the other congregational responses.