Of all the prayers in the siddur, there is probably no prayer that packs as strong a punch in as short a time as Mizmor l’todah. It may have been the case that this psalm was recited when our ancestors performed the todah sacrifice, a “thank offering.” Be that as it may, we continue to recite it even though the Temple has been gone for nearly 2,000 years. Why? Because there is something to be said for a daily affirmation of all for which G-d deserves our acknowledgement and thanks.
Although it’s only 7 verses long, it contains some of the best known Jewish theological principles: “Know that the Lord is G-d”; “Gratefully acknowledge G-d, blessed be G-d’s name” (i.e., baruch Hashem); and perhaps most important Ivdu et Hashem b’simcha “Serve G-d with joy”.
This is not the easiest thing in the world to do, especially when the world is going through dark times and experiencing crushing sadness. But Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (home of my maternal grandmother Sarah, z”l) taught us some things about serving G-d with joy. He said,
- Rejoice that you have an opportunity to sing unto G-d.
- Rejoice that you are a Jew.
- Rejoice that you are able to pray, to study, and to perform G-d’s will.
- Remember that before the endlessness of G-d, the highest saint and the lowliest commoner are equal.
- Be contented with your achievements in affairs of the spirit, as well as with your worldly status.
- And finally, do not doubt yourself, but instead enjoy the Light of G-d.