Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Irene Riegner <iriegner AT concentric.net>]

Matthew Anstey asked:

"Specifically, I would like to know how the psalms are read. Are
they
assigned each day/week to accompany the Torah readings? Are all the
psalms
used in this way, or a selection? Are they read in order?"

The parasha of the week (weekly portion) consists of a torah reading
and a selection from the haftarah, the prophets.  Remember, that in
Jewish categories of the bible, the "histories" like 1 and 2 Kings
and 1 and 2 Samuel are a part of prophecy and are called the "former
prophets."  The haftarah is not left to the discretion of the
service leader (who need not be a rabbi) but follows a fixed order.
Psalms are not part of the haftarah selections.

Psalms, however, are an integral part of the service.  A selection
of psalms, Pss 95-99, (I suspect others may also be used) comprise
the "kabbalat shabbat" (the greeting of the sabbath) and are sung at
the beginning of Friday night services before the call to worship;
some may be used during the service at the discretion of the service
leader.   The hallel, a series of Psalms, Pss 113-118, are songs of
praise which are recited udring the morning service of certain
holidays.  Certain psalms are recited at the time of the new moon.
    The psalms are pervasive though they are often unrecognized.
Lines from various psalms are integrated into the liturgy and into
prayers and rituals such as the blessing after meals (which can be
lengthy).

irene riegner