Ashrei In Depth

In this four part series, we will attempt to understand better why the psalm “Ashrei” occupies such an important place in our liturgy.

In this first session, we will begin by examining the two introductory verses, which are actually not from chapter 145.

Then we will inspect quickly all the verses of the entire chapter, in order to uncover the underlying structure of the chapter and to see what messages and meanings might be in the structure itself.

In the following three sessions we will drill down into each subsection of Ashrei and discuss the ideas presented therein.

In this second installment of our series, we will learn in depth the first section of Ashrei, comprising three short verses that challenge our understanding (double entendre intended!).

In this third session of our 4-part series, we will move our focus to studying in depth the second group of verses (ד  through ט) of Psalm 145. after we first revisit a couple of points from the first three verses, as an introduction and preparation.

We will suggest that in these next verses we are being shown a methodology for teaching faith in G-d with a view towards inculcating more sophisticated levels of understanding.

In this last session of our series, we will examine the last, and longest, section of “Ashrei”.  We will primarily try to pick out the patterns of meaning in the verses by careful inspection of them, but we will also see some explanations in the commentaries of Ibn Ezra, Radak, and the Malbim.