Healing Psalms

Book excerpt: A prominent rabbi shows how to apply the wisdom of the Psalms in our daily lives Traditionally attributed to King David, among others, the book of Psalms collects 150 songs in praise of the Lord-songs that contain some of the Bible's most beautiful and inspiring verses. Now, one of America's most esteemed rabbis elucidates the meaning of the Psalms and explains how their healing wisdom can help us in our everyday lives. Examining each of the Psalms in turn, Rabbi Joshua Haberman shows how these "dialogues with God" offer comfort in our struggles to cope with adversity and improve our lot in life, whether we're seeking deliverance from suffering, giving praise for our good fortune, or commemorating a special occasion. Though this is the only mainstream book on the Psalms written by a rabbi, the book is for people of all spiritual traditions-Jews, Christians, and people of any tradition who want to tap into the healing power of the Psalms. Joshua O. Haberman (Washington, DC) is President of the Foundation for Jewish Studies. The former Senior Rabbi at the Washington Hebrew Congregation, he has preached at the White House and at the nationally televised memorial service to honor victims of 9/11.