Psalm Project

Psalm 133

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“It is like fine oil on the head.” (133:2)

Most 21st century Westerners find the thought of pouring oil, no matter how pure, into their hair, gross and disgusting. But it need not be so. It happens that the main ingredient in soap is some kind of oil or fat. Combined with lye, it lifts oil from surfaces. Shampoos are chemically more complicated, because their purpose is to clean the hair without removing all of the natural oils. Pouring a small amount of pure extra-virgin olive oil into one’s hair was a ritual of consecration. It was luxurious, and brought out the natural luster and shine of one’s hair, an ancient spa treatment.

Psalm 132

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“This is my resting-place for all time” (132:14)

People can be funny about their final resting place. They might want to be next to this person, but not anywhere near that other person, as if their burial plot is like a permanent seat at a forever cocktail party. They might want a view or a nice shady tree – although in this respect they might be thinking more of their still-living visitors than themselves. Jewish tradition requires Jews to be buried among Jews, on the assumption that their bones are less likely to be disturbed if future generations of Jews are watching over them. Forever is a long time. Choose your spot wisely!

Psalm 131

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“I do not aspire to great things.” (131:1)

I’ll give Shakespeare two out of three for “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.” (Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 5). I don’t think people are born to greatness, but I do agree that some people aspire to greatness and achieve their dream; and others have unsought greatness thrust upon them. There is nothing wrong with people aspiring to greatness as long as they are prepared to live a full and meaningful life even if their dreams fail. Those like the Psalmist who do not aspire to great things nonetheless should aspire to make a difference through their lives. They should understand that they do not need to be great to be important.

Psalm 130

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“Yours is the power to forgive.” (130:4)

You control one of the greatest superpowers, the power to forgive. Be not stingy nor overly generous with forgiveness. Forgiving too quickly missed the opportunity help the other person appreciate how hurtful his or her actions were, and learn how to repair the damage. Withholding forgiveness is more damaging to you than the other person, because it keeps your hurt alive while the other person has moved on. You have the superpower of forgiveness. When used wisely, you can profoundly change both your life and the other’s.

Psalm 129

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“Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth.” (129:1)

Anti-Semitism is a real phenomenon, even in the free and open society of the United States. However, it is important to be able to distinguish degrees of anti-semitism. Seventy years ago (and more), Jews were restricted in where they could live, where they could golf, what country club they could join, and where they could go to school, in addition to common incidents of physical intimidation. Forty years ago, bullying was not uncommon in school, although it was mostly verbal or mildly physical, but Jews were mostly free of other restrictions. Twenty years ago, schools began taking a hard stance against bullying of any form. Be aware and defend yourself, but know that there has never been a better time to be Jew in the world.