By this point in davening, we’ve spent a considerable amount of time revealing that not only is Hashem found beneath the concealment of nature, but what we see as nature is nothing more than the expression of the Will of Hashem Himself. Every single middah of Hashem, every form through which He orchestrates His Will, whether it is through loving-kindness (chessed) or strength (gevurah), every act of ‘nature,’ every challenge and every joy, is an expression of Hashem’s love for us, and it is all for our good.
The only possible reaction to such a realization is to burst into joyous song! Mizmor L’todah “Thank You Hashem!” “Haree’oo laShem kol ha’aretz,” not only do we thank You, but the entirety of creation is calling out Your praises, and we are singing along. “Ivdu es Hashem b’simcha, bo’oo l’fanav birnana – Serve Hashem with joy, with singing and dancing,” and not out of somber obligation. Even if it looks like things are difficult, like we are being treated with judgment as symbolized by the name “Elokim,” Di’oo ki Hashem hu ha’Elokim,” we remember that Hashem, our loving Father, is Elokim, and even challenges are given out of love and are for our good. “Bo’oo shi’arav b’sodah, chatzeirosov bis’hela” – when we want to enter the gates of a higher spiritual realm, the way we do that is “Hodu Lo barchu Shimo, we thank and praise His name.” “Ki tov Hashem li’olam chasdo v’ad dor vador emunaso, because Hashem is good; his kindness endured forever and His faithfulness from generation to generation.”
The Shulchan Aruch writes that Mizmor L’todah should be sung with a tune. During Pesukei D’zimrah we aim to bring ourselves to a state of heartfelt connection to Hashem. A person is greatly influenced by music and song, even if he isn’t feeling deeply inspired. If someone feeling sad walks into a wedding hall where beautiful music is being played and people are singing and dancing, he’ll likely be swept up in their joy, even if it’ll disappear the moment he leaves the wedding.
Singing Mizmor L’todah in a tune that is meaningful to you will open your heart to connect deeply with the gratitude you are expressing. Even if that feeling fades away the moment you are done singing, you have accomplished something tremendous, to give Hashem your heart full of gratitude for even a few moments.
One should seek after niggunim, and when you daven, say the words using a tune that is pleasant and sweet in your eyes. Use these tunes to daven with intention, thereby drawing your heart to follow your words. When you beseech and request from Hashem, use a tune that will prepare your heart with feeling. For prayers of joy, use a tune that gladdens your heart, filling yourself with love and simcha before the One who sees your heart.
Moment of Mindfulness:
What are you grateful for? If it is something that makes you want to thank Hashem in a solemn, serious way, sing Mizmor L’todah in a slow, sweet, beautiful tune that is meaningful to you. If it is something that makes you want to jump and dance, choose a happy, upbeat tune, and let yourself loose!
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 25.