In this shiur, we will study the final third of Psalm 22. Many scholars have argued that this section of the psalm is not a contextual or stylistic continuation of the sections that precede it, and therefore should be considered an independent psalm. We will argue that the opposite is true - that this section constitutes an apt conclusion to the psalm as a whole and completes the psychological development in the psalm.
In this shiur, we will examine the source and variations of the custom to recite Psalm 22 on Purim. We will discuss the reasons offered for this practice, as well as the midrashic reading of the psalm, which connects it to the persona and story of Esther.
In this shiur, we begin our study of Psalm 82, the psalm of the day for Tuesday. We will discuss who the speaker is in the psalm and who it is that he is addressing, and we will also discuss the meaning of the opening line of the psalm.
In this shiur, we continue our study of psalm 82. We will address the meaning of the psalmist's comparison of the judges to angels, as well as how the psalm expresses his disappointment in them.
In this shiur, we conclude our discussion of psalm 82, comparing and contrasting it to prophetic passages that similarly address injustice on the part of judges. We conclude with an appendix regarding the development of the custom to recite this psalm as the "psalm of the day" for the third day of the week.
In this appendix to our discussion of psalm 82, we analyze the approach of modern commentators to the psalm and explain why their view is unwarranted. We will further discuss the psalm's overall view of judges and their role in society.
