| Ashrei for Madrichim |
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R. Eleazar b. Abina says: Whoever recites [the psalm] Ashrei three times daily, is sure to inherit the world to come. What is the reason? Shall I say it is because it has an alphabetical arrangement? Then let him recite, Happy are they that are upright in the way (Psalm 119) which has an eightfold alphabetical arrangement. Again, is it because it contains [the verse], Thou openest Thy hand [and satisfiest every living thing with favour]? Then let him recite the great Hallel (Psalm 136) where it is written: Who giveth food to all flesh! — Rather, [the reason is] because it contains both. -Berachot 4b “Saying this prayer does not guarantee the world-to-come if your deeds are evil. The Talmud means to say that people who habitually take ethical stock of their affairs will naturally be careful in reciting this psalm as well. Knowing that they are God-fearing and that they turn away from evil, they may be certain that they merit the world-to-come.” -Rashbam (1085-1174) "The entire alphabet, the source of all words, is marshalled in praise of God. One cannot actually use all of the words in a language, but by using the alphabet one uses all potential words. So the form is made to serve the message." -Adelle Berlin "And as for us, we bless the Lord now and forever. Hallelujah!" (Psalms 115:18, end of Ashrei) Creative Ashrei Ideas:1. Have chanichim sit in groups according to the first letter of their Hebrew name. Chanichim that do not know their Hebrew names should sit with the letter that most closely corresponds to the first letter of their English name. Each group sings the verse corresponding to their letter. At the end ask which group didn’t get to go. Compiled by Jackie Gerber
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