Earth Etude for 24 Elul

Opening a Psalm

Consider the first part of Psalm 24. Notice the traditional parallelism wherein the second half of the verse repeating in new language the thought of the first half. Determine if this text from our tradition awakens the preparations of Elul for you.

Psalm 24

1. A Psalm of David....................Might this be a Psalm I could sing/write?
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that fills it;....Do my actions demonstrate this truth?
the world, and those who dwell in it. ...........I dwell on the earth; am I the Lord's?

2. For He has founded it upon the seas,........Do I act as if the Lord founded the earth?
and established it upon the rivers. ..............What is foundational about seas and rivers?

3. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord?....Do I ask if I may ascend?
Who shall stand in His holy place?..................How would I describe "His holy place?"

4. The ones who have clean hands, and a pure heart;.............How is this true for me?
who have not taken My name in vain nor sworn deceitfully..Do I, can I, refrain from these?

5. They shall receive a blessing from the Lord,.........What blessing shall I receive?
and righteousness from the God of their salvation....Is God the god of my salvation?

6. This is the generation of those who seek him,........Of which generation am I a part?
who seek your face, O Jacob. Selah..............................How do I seek God's face?

A member of both the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Boards of Rabbis, Rabbi/Cantor Anne Heath (Academy for Jewish Religion-NYC 2007) is the spiritual leader of Congregation Agudath Achim and the Jewish Community House – a 100-year-old progressive, independent congregation in the heart of Taunton, Mass.