Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

The Ashrei* Project by Rabbi Michael Lezak

Click here to download a copy of Ashrei

What is an authentic Jewish way to claim more happiness in one's life? How might you and I go about receiving or delivering more blessings day by day? How might we claim a deeper spiritual path right now? These are some of the deep-life questions that the ancient writers and editors of the siddur (prayerbook) asked when they assembled the first Jewish prayerbook 1100 years ago. These are also some of the questions that congregants have been asking of themselves in our Shacharit - Wednesday morning minyan on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 8:10 am.

A few months ago, I invited participants in the minyan to begin reflecting on Psalm 145, the first of six psalms that make up the P'sukei d'Zimra (‘verses of praise') section of the morning service. This psalm, also known as ‘Ashrei,' is an exquisite psalm, arranged alphabetically in Hebrew as an acrostic, that paints various images of how and when and where we might perceive the presence of the Holy One in our lives. Several congregants have decided to write their own meditations on Ashrei. In the coming months, we will share with you some of their reflections. I hope that you find soulful inspiration in their words. And I invite you to take some time to some nuggets of truth waiting for you in this most beautiful psalm (you'll find it on pp. 52-54 in Mishkan T'filah). Please feel free to email me your meditations on the Ashrei at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and please join us as we lift up these ancient words and our ancient souls on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month in our sanctuary.

*meaning ‘happy' or ‘blessed'; See Psalms 84:5 and 144:15

Some reflections on Ashrei from Rabbi Lezak's 10th grade midrasha class and some Shacharit attendees:

Adonai supports all who stumble, and makes all who are bent stand straight. 

When someone is down, made a mistake, or needs guidance, God (and community) will be there to help straighten out. Bonnie Zaleski

This line helps me to remember that there is always hope and when it feels as if things aren't going as they should we will be supported and become able to surmount all/any difficulty.  Paula Lavine

Reminds me of a counselor I work with at the high school.  She makes every student feel special.  She gives them her full attention for as long as they want - like they are all she has to do that day, and always leaves them feeling hopeful and good about themselves.  Roberta Dossick

I thought "Wow, this guy's a nice person!" Anonymous

Adonai is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.

It reminds me of my father, who was very stoic, and did not let little things in life upset him.  He knew what was important and valuable in life and what wasn't.  Anger is a poison that seeps into your soul, if you allow anger to control you.  John Benesch

It is hard for me to think of Adonai as a distinct being.  Instead, I think of Adonai as a creative force which lives inside of us and all living things around us.  I believe the way one acts has an effect on our community.  If we all endeavor to bemore understanding and kind to one another, the world would be a happierplace.  Anonymous

All your works shall praise you Adonai.

I like the idea of praising God for all of the positive things we see around us -- a beautiful  morning, a glorious sunset, healthy & happy children, etc. Anonymous

You give it openhandldly, feeding each creature to its heart's content.

I like the idea each creature deserves and receives the basic necessities of life.  Anonymous

Open-handed = open-hearted, which is how I like to think of God.  Suzanne & David Waterman

Adonai is good to all, and God's mercy is upon all of God's works.

I see this line as saying that bad things are also God's work and bad things are part of our curriculum vitae.  Jake

One generation shall laud your works to another.

I picked this line because stories are a huge part of my family and Judaism.  We pass down stories to ourchildren and grandchildren to teach them about the past.  Your imagination has to start somewhere . . . Alana Zaleski

Adonai fulfills the wishes of those who fear God.

Why be afraid of God?  Or is it they're afraid to accept Adonai?  Jonathan Macht

But all the wicked God will destroy . . .

How does God tell who is wicked or not?  Is everyone "wicked", so we all die?  Zoe Zaleski

We will bless you God now and always.  Hallelujah!

Why?  Because God is our creator, is all providing to our soul now and always.  Jon Macht (Dad).