In the spirit of Rabbi Jacobs' request, certain psalms are often recited at times like this, in particular a series of ten psalms compiled by Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav, called the "ha-Tikkun ha-Klali, "the General Remedy."
According to the Talmud (Pesaḥim 117a) there are ten kinds of songs in the Book of Psalms: Ashrei, Beracha, Maskil, Nitzuach, Shir, Niggun, Mizmor, Tefilla, Hoda'ah, and Halleluyah. In the early 19th century, Rebbe Nachman, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, taught that the recitation of ten psalms, each representing one of these categories, could act as a Tikkun (remedy). Their recitation would help lead to an awareness of the divine presence that permeates and enlivens this world.
On a weekend where we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, a great leader of peaceful coexistence, we can only hope that this situation is resolved peacefully and without delay.
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman
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