The Secret Matrix of Psalm 119: Studying Tehillim: Chapter 119 (overview)
This chapter consists of 22 stanzas—corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew aleph-bet. Each stanza is comprised of eight verses, all beginning with same letter, hence it’s known as the psalm of eight-faces. This introductory class provides an overview highlighting the inner character of chapter 119. We examine the key words repeatedly employed throughout this psalm, and the profound meaning embedded in the patter of eight.
| Related Text: | Tanakh - The Hebrew Bible - Tehillim (Psalms): Chapter 119 |
| Audio: | Listen to Audio | Download this MP3 |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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Shalom Rabbi Kaplan,
As a retired man, in my studies, the following pesuk is confusing to me.
Psalms 119:126 says, “It is a time to act for the LORD, for they have violated Your teaching.”
Rashi interprets Psalms 119:126 as saying, “Our Rabbis, however, derived from it from this verse that we may transgress the words of the Torah in order to make a fence and a wall a safeguard for Israel, [Ezekiel 13:1-5], e.g., Gideon and Elijah on Mount Carmel, who sacrificed on high places (Berackhot 63a).”
Can it be that our Sages and Rabbis were authorized to transgress G-d’s Torah? Thanks for some understanding of Rashi’s meaning.
The simple answer is yes, but don't try it at home. For example; a surgeon may chose to abandon standard or accepted medical practice in middle of a life-threatening intervention. But that does not authorize lay people to dispense give advice on such affairs on social media. Hope that helps. Subscribe to mt YouTube channel today, if you'd like to view my current Torah teachings. YouTube.com/rabbimendelkaplan
Rabbi, thanks for your response.
Rabbi, as a retired surgeon, I must honestly disagree with your statement. There were times where I found myself accommodating to unusual or problematic events requiring altering the standard operative procedure.
When it comes to our G-d and His eternal Torah, isn't humankind forbidden to modify, add to, reinterpret, or delete His words. It may be that Hashem has given each neshuma the ability for understanding and interpreting His Torah for which all souls are ultimately responsible to our Creator.
Elihu, son of Barachel, speaking to Job (32:7-9) saying, “I thought, “Let age speak; Let advanced years declare wise things.” But truly, it is the spirit in men, The breath of Shaddai, that gives them understanding. It is not the aged who are wise, The elders, who understand how to judge.”
What is your understanding of G-d’s gift given at first breath?
The surgery was only a (possible) metaphor, which clearly seems inaccurate. However, this Torah concept is a well documented Torah concept. This not the forum for the lengthy explanation - rather to answer or explain something which is unique to this class. This concept is not. I'd suggest you visit your local orthodox Rabbi. If you don't have one, you can email me directly at [email protected]