Livestreaming | Giving | Contact Us

Finding Calm in the Psalms

Finding Calm in the Psalms

Welcome!

New content is added here each week. Scroll down to learn more about this initiative and register to participate in our new series, A Sacred Season of Psalms: 5 New Live Events

Past Events

The Psalms Kick-off with Cantor Dan Mutlu

As the launch for our six-month journey to read the entire Book of Psalms, Cantor Dan Mutlu offered insights about the history of Biblical music -- and shared his unique and stirring rendition of "The Lord is My Shepherd." Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach explained how members of our community can participate in the "Finding Calm in the Psalms" exploration through November.

Watch Now


The Psalms Mid-point Celebration

With song selections from Cantorial Intern Jeremy Sipe, those new and seasoned to our Psalms Cycle joined Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach to mark the occasion of reaching Psalm 75 in our daily exploration of the Book of Psalms. 

Watch Now


The Psalms of Kabbalat Shabbat


Explore all six Psalms traditionally chanted before Lecha Dodi on Friday nights, with special musical renditions from Cantorial Intern Jeremy Sipe.

Watch Now


The Fifteen Steps: The Psalms of Ascent

Take a journey from the depths of despair to new heights of resilience in this screening and discussion of Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum's Hartman Institute lecture on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).

Watch Now


Becoming a Psalmist: A Hands-On Writing Workshop

Join modern-day liturgist Alden Solovy for a writing workshop that leads us to mine this moment in our lives and in our world to compose our own psalms.

Watch Now


The Final Note: A Celebration of Psalm 150

We close out our cycle with a live interview featuring Cantor Natalie Young, composer of a beloved musical version of Psalm 150, and a retrospective discussion with our Psalms community.

Watch Now


The Psalms Cycle  

Every Friday, listen in on the conversation between Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach (and the occasional guest), exploring meaningful messages from the weekly psalms. You are welcome to join our virtual communities at any time throughout the cycle.

Watch Video Reflections

Psalms 1-3 Theme: Reliance Video Reflection
Psalms 4-8 Theme: Accountability Video Reflection
Psalms 9-13 Theme: Distress Video Reflection
Psalms 14-18 Theme: Righteousness Video Reflection
Psalms 19-23 Theme: Sincerity Video Reflection
Psalms 24-28 Theme: Guidance Video Reflection
Psalms 29-33 Theme: Power Video Reflection
Psalms 34-38 Theme: Physicality Video Reflection
Psalms 39-43 Theme: Hope Video Reflection
Psalms 44-48 Theme: Kingship Video Reflection
Psalms 49-53 Theme: Contrition Video Reflection
Psalms 54-58 Theme: Betrayal Video Reflection
Psalms 59-63 Theme: Finding Refuge Video Reflection
Psalms 64-68 Theme: Praise Video Reflection
Psalms 69-73 Theme: Shame Video Reflection
Psalms 74-78 Theme: History Video Reflection
Psalms 79-83 Theme: Justice Video Reflection
Psalms 84-88 Theme: Nearness Video Reflection
Psalms 89-93 Theme: Longevity Video Reflection
Psalms 94-98 Theme: Music Video Reflection
Psalms 99-103 Theme: Relationships Video Reflection
Psalms 104-108 Theme: G-d's Dominion Video Reflection
Psalms 109-113 Theme: Righteousness Video Reflection
Psalms 114-118 Theme: Praise Video Reflection
Psalms 119-123 Theme: Aliyah Video Reflection
Psalms 124-128 Theme: Embrace Video Reflection
Psalms 129-133 Theme: High Holy Days Video Reflection
Psalms 134-138 Theme: Highs and Lows Video Reflection
Psalms 139-143 Theme: Evolution Video Reflection
Psalms 144-148 Theme: Praise Video Reflection

 


Go Behind the Music 

Learn from musicians and poets who have transformed the psalms into their own unique creations to soothe and uplift our hearts.

Dan Nichols

on Psalm 3

Danny Maseng

on "Ma Tovu"

Billy Dreskin

on "Mi Yagur" (Psalm 15)

Cantor Hollis Schachner

on "Y'hiyu L'Ratzon" (Psalm 19)

Chava Mirel

on "Achat Sha'alti" (Psalm 27)

Jordan Franzel

on "Havu L'Adonai" (Psalm 29)

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and Dave Strickland

on "Ashira"/"Higher Love"

Merri Arian

on "Mourning Into Dancing" (Psalm 30)

Ellen Allard

on "Open My Lips" (Psalm 51)

Rabbi Jade Sank Ross

On "To You I Call"

Cantor Dan Mutlu

on Rossi's "Psalm 67"

Alden Solovy

On His New Book, Enter These Gates

Jessica Greenbaum

On The Role of Psalms Today

Rabbi Karyn Kedar

On Psalm 82

Rabbi Shefa Gold

On "Ashrei"

Daphna Rosenberg

On "Mizmor Shir L'Yom HaShabbat" (Psalm 92)

Rabbi Josh Warshawsky

On "Lechu Neranena" (Psalm 95)

Rabbi Cantor Shani Ben-Or

On "Shiru L'Adonai" (Psalm 96)

Honoring Leonard Bernstein (z''l)

"The Chichester Psalms"

Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz

On "Min HaMeitzar" (Psalm 118)

Cantor Becky Mann

On "Ozi V'Zimrat Yah" (Psalm 118)

Cantor Charles Osborne

On "Samachti B'Omrim Li" (Psalm 122)

Danya and Eyal Rivlin

On "Hinei Ma Tov" (Psalm 133)

Jeremy Sipe

On "Ki L'Olam Hasdo" (Psalm 136)

Beth Reinstein

On Psalm 139

Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller

On "Azam'ra" (from Psalm 146)


About the Psalms Cycle

Reading the Psalms, a treasure trove of Biblical poetry and prayer, has long been Judaism’s antidote for trying times. Over three seasons in this challenging year of 2024, Central congregants and clergy will embark on an interactive text-ploration of all 150 Psalms – together. 

Beginning April 9, you are encouraged to read a Psalm every day (Sunday-Thursday). Here's how:

  • Central Synagogue members interested in daily content and engagement about the Psalms, accessible on your schedule, are invited to join a virtual study group on Central Square, Central Synagogue’s new online community for members only – now in pilot phase (see below for instructions to join). 
  • Participants in the Central Synagogue Neighborhood can connect with one another through the 929 group on Mighty Networks. 
  • Everyone can access the daily psalm and other meaningful content on the "929" website: https://www.929.org.il/lang/en/today

In addition, each Friday beginning April 12, this webpage will feature a new recording by Rabbis Andrew Kaplan Mandel and Nicole Auerbach, engaging in a deep dive of the week's psalms, often with special guests. Musicians, theologians, and poets will weigh in on the modern relevance of these ancient texts and pose critical questions for discussion. 


How to Join Central Square

For Central Members Only

  1. Visit Central Square and enter your email address 
  1. Check your email for an invitation to join the community 
  1. Follow the email directions to set up your username and password 
  2. Request to join the Psalms Group, featured at top of the welcome page
  3. Start reading and responding to Rabbi Mandel's posts each day
     

* Tip: A desktop browser is recommended for your first login. Central Square is hosted by Mighty Networks. Download the Mighty Networks app to stay connected while on the go. 



FAQs

I’m not a member of Central Synagogue. How can I participate?

You’re invited to listen in to each week’s conversation recording, posted on this webpage.  And, if you’re part of The Neighborhood, share your Psalms reflections in the 929 group.  


The Psalms Cycle has already started. Can I still join the online discussion?

Yes, you’re welcome to join at any point in the cycle.


What is a chevruta?


Learning in chevruta is the practice of studying Jewish texts in partnership. Chevruta partners decide how frequently they wish to connect and whether to do so by phone, Zoom, text message, or in person. 


Is a chevruta required to participate?

Learning in chevruta is an optional way to elevate your Psalms experience. If you would like to be paired with a chevruta partner, complete the interest form in the Central Square Psalms group.


What clergy will be participating in this study group?

Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel will be joined by his own chevruta partner, Rabbi Nicole Auerbach, as well as a host of guests: musicians Ellen Allard, Cantor Jordan Franzel, Rabbi Shefa Gold, Cantor Becky Mann, Danny Maseng, Chava Mirel, Cantor Dan Mutlu, Dan Nichols, Cantor Charles Osborne, Cantor Jenna Pearsall, Danya and Eyal Rivlin, Hollis Schachner, Cantor Josh Warshawsky, Cantor Natalie Young, as well as Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, Rabbi Hilly Haber, Rabbi Debra Robbins, Rabbi Jade Sank Ross, and Rabbi Mo Salth.  


What if I don’t have time to read the five Psalms each week?

No worries, “Finding Calm in the Psalms” is designed to be adaptable to your lifestyle—feel free to get creative in how you choose to participate. Also, Rabbi Mandel and Rabbi Auerbach will be summarizing what they have read in their weekly recording, if you want to catch up. 


Our People


Quick Links


Subscribe to our podcast