During this time of year from Elul through Sukkot, it is customary to read or sing the words of Psalm 27. Why, of all the 150 Psalms, did the rabbis of the Talmudic era choose this one for this unique time on the Jewish calendar? The obvious High Holy Days connection might be the reference to the sound of t’ruah, (the eight consecutive staccato shofar blasts) and the reference to the sukkah. Or perhaps the references to “evil doers” or “enemies” are supposed to reference the inner adversaries we try to reconcile with and make teshuvah for on the Days of Awe.
While there is no definitive answer, what struck me—especially during this year in particular—is verse 4, which says: “One thing have I sought from Adonai, how I long for it—that I may live in the House of Adonai all the days of my life.”
This bit of text stands in contrast to the liturgy of the High Holy Days which has many references to God that conjure up a distant, almighty, and regal presence. “Avinu malkeinu”—our creator, our sovereign; “El melech yosheiv al kiseh rachamim”—the ruler who sits upon a throne of compassion; “hu Dayan u’mochiah v’yodeah v’ad v’kotev v’chotam v’sofer u’moneh”—the judge who proves, knows, and bears witness; who writes and seals, counts and calculates.”
These references give us a feeling of “awe” but not a feeling of closeness or “aww.” But when we read Psalm 27, rather than being at the foot of God’s mighty throne, we are living in God’s house. Anyone who has ever had a roommate knows—you don’t really know someone until you’ve lived with them. When you live with someone they are a part of your daily routine: you see them in the morning, you see them at meal times, you spend time with them during the day, and you see them before you go to sleep. What more of an apt way to describe our relationship with God this year, at this time, when we are celebrating the High Holy Days in our homes.
There are many beautiful musical settings to this text, and this year I decided to write a new one with my fellow cantorial student, Jaqueline Rafii, which you can listen to here.
I hope the melody inspires you and that you find a way to make this Psalm part of your ritual practice this year through Sukkot.
— Cantorial Intern Josh Goldberg