Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
A Prayer from the Heart
After forty years of wandering in the desert, Klal Yisrael, the Jewish nation, stood on the threshold of entering Eretz Yisrael (Israel). Yet, to Moshe Rabbeinu (our leader Moses)’s immense pain, he was told that he would not be entering with them. How he longed to enter this precious land—the land promised to our patriarchs Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov; a land radiating holiness, where so many unique mitzvot, Torah commandments, could only be fulfilled there. He therefore poured out his heart in prayer, pleading with Hashem (God) to allow him to enter. As our parashah begins, “Va’etchanan el Hashem ba’eit hahi leimor”—”And I pleaded with God at that time, saying” (Devarim 3:23).
The Paneach Raza, one of the early commentators, makes a fascinating observation. The word va’etchanan (ואתחנן) has the numerical value of 515, the same as the hebrew word for prayer, tefillah (תפלה). Remarkably, it is also the same numerical value as shirah (שירה) – song. He explains that Moshe’s heartfelt prayers were offered with a beautiful melody. This provides a wonderful lesson for our own tefillot (prayers). Prayer is not meant to be rushed through mechanically; whenever possible, it should be recited with warmth, feeling, and at times with a melody.
Singing Our Prayers
This idea is reflected in Pesukei D’Zimrah, the verses of praise recited each day at the beginning of the morning prayers. The Sefer Chareidim writes that it is a mitzvah (Torah commandment) to recite these passages with a pleasant tune. Indeed, the very name Pesukei DeZimrah comes from the word zimrah—song—because these chapters are songs of praise to Hashem. Our sages even describe them as a form of Hallel (a joyous prayer of praise sung on the first of every Jewish month and on Jewish holidays). Of course, it is not always easy to pray with feeling, but whenever we are able to add even a slight melody to our tefillah, it elevates the experience and helps awaken our hearts.
Baruch She’amar: A Song Worth Gold
There is a special emphasis on the opening prayer of Baruch She’amar. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chaim 51:2) writes that it should be recited with melody and pleasantness, for it is a beautiful song established by the Anshei Knesset HaGedolah (the great Assembly of Jewish Sages and Prophets who led the Jewish people during the transition from the biblical era to the early Second Temple period), from a Heavenly source. Baruch She’amar contains eighty-seven words, corresponding to the numerical value of paz (פז), fine gold. The Sefer HaGan writes that one who recites it carefully, with concentration and melody, merits a golden crown.
There is also a special emphasis on singing Mizmor L’Todah. Our sages teach that in the future, all the songs of praise will cease except for Mizmor LeTodah, the psalm of thanksgiving. Because of its unique and everlasting significance, the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish law) rules that it too should be recited with a pleasant melody.
Many are also particular to sing Az Yashir – the Song of the Sea. The Zohar explains that because of the greatness of this song, and because it is relevant in every generation, we recite it each day during Pesukei DeZimrah. The Mishnah Berurah (51:7), quoting the Zohar, adds an incredible promise: one who recites Az Yashir with genuine joy, imagining himself crossing the Red Sea, attains great spiritual merit.
How Song Purifies the Soul
Interestingly, the word zimrah (song) is related to the word zemer, which means to prune or cut away. Through singing these precious songs of praise to Hashem, harmful spiritual forces are cut away. The Sages teach that when a person sins, destructive angels are created. By praising Hashem through Pesukei DeZimrah, these negative forces are weakened and removed (Chasam Sofer).
On a deeper level, our sins stem from a lack of awareness of Hashem’s constant involvement in our lives. When we fill our hearts with praise and recognition of His greatness, that clarity returns, bringing with it spiritual purification (Lebaker Rinah, based on the Tomer Devorah).
The Daily Treasure We Cannot Afford to Miss
The importance of Pesukei DeZimrah is highlighted by an amazing incident involving the Beit Yosef. He merited learning Torah from a Heavenly angel known as the Maggid, who instructed him to be especially careful never to skip Pesukei DeZimrah, explaining that it has the power to transform the Heavenly channels of blessing (Be’er Heitev 52:1). What an extraordinary testimony to the power of these daily chapters that many of us have become so accustomed to.
There are truly so many treasures hidden within Pesukei DeZimrah—it is a spiritual gold mine. Since we recite these passages every day, they can easily become routine. Yet if we slow down just a little, add a bit more concentration, perhaps even a gentle tune, and take the time to appreciate their meaning, these familiar words can become a powerful source of inspiration. They have the ability to deepen our relationship with Hashem and transform the way we begin every single day.
Everything You Need
When the great mashgiach (spiritual mentor), Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein zt”l, first settled in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), his home became a beacon for countless people seeking inspiration. Every week they gathered to hear his words of mussar, spiritual discipline, and many joined him each morning for tefillah.
One day, news spread that he would be leaving to become the mashgiach of Yeshivat Ponevezh. Saddened, his regular attendees asked, “Rebbe, what will become of us?” Rav Yechezkel’s answer was both simple and profound: “If you say Pesukei DeZimrah the way it is meant to be said, you will have everything you need.”
Rabbi Moshe Aharon Stern zt”l would often repeat this remarkable statement and explain its meaning. Pesukei DeZimrah is not merely a preparation for Shemoneh Esrei, the Amidah prayer. It is our daily opportunity to fill our hearts with praise and gratitude to Hashem. When a person sincerely thanks Hashem for His countless kindnesses, he naturally develops emunah (belief in God), bitachon (faith in God), awareness of Divine Providence, and a deeper relationship with his Creator. In that sincere praise lies the foundation of the entire day’s Godly service.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
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