Elul Tips
LeDovid Hashem Ori

As we begin the month of Elul and the forty day march towards The Days of Judgment, along side the daily blasts of the shofar we recite Psalm 27 “LeDovid Hashem Ori Veyishi.. – G-d is my light and my salvation”.

Our sages explain that Ori – my light, refers to Rosh Hashanna and Yishi - my salvation, refers to Yom Kippur thereby explaining why we recite the psalm this time of year in preparation for the High Holidays. The Vilna Gaon siddur explains alternatively that Ori- my light, refers to the Torah and Yishi – my salvation, refers to Mitzvoth because it is only through Torah and Mitzvoth that Jews enjoy the rewards of light and salvation.

The opening verses read – “G-d is my light and salvation therefore I need not be afraid. When my enemies arise to devour me, they will stumble. If they encamp against me,- it is in this that I trust-. The one and only request that I have of You, G-d is that I may dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life, to see Your countenance and frequent Your sanctuary”.

When reading these opening lines it is not clear in what does King David trust? What is the this he refers to?

Rashi explains that the this refers to the opening verses – “G-d is my light, salvation……”. The Malbim states that the this is the upcoming verse – King David’s request to sit in the house of the Lord continuously. So which is it – the statement of G-d’s grandeur or the great request of King David to be close to the Creator?

It appears to me that both interpretations are not only correct, but complement one another as well. Rashi teaches that it is the trust in the Eternal Kindness and Greatness of the King of Kings at all times of life that brings security and serenity to King David. The Malbim teaches that to merit the closeness, light, and salvation of the Creator one must seek and pursue a life prescribed by G-d and the Torah - therefore since this is the way of King David, it was this that he trusted.

In our preparations for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and the recitation of the LeDovid prayer twice a day let’s walk in the footsteps of the great King David. We should trust in the light of the Creator – Ori Veyishi, while we invest ourselves on the quest to live in His presence –Achat Shaalti. This will surely prepare us amidst the entire nation of Israel for a good and peaceful New Year.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Ephraim Epstein
rabbiepstein@sonsisrael.com

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