Episode 31: Achat Sha’alti (with Chava Mirel)
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Achat Sha’alti
From the start of the month of Elul through the fall holidays, it is customary to say Psalm 27. This “psalm for the days of awe” is full of evocative imagery, poetry, and a seemingly unshakable protagonist. But in this week’s episode, we are diving deep into just one line- verse 4, also known as “Achat Sha’alti.” What is this “one thing I ask?” Why is this line so popular, and how do different melodies shape our understanding? And speaking of song, we are blessed to be joined by musician and mindfulness teacher Chava Mirel, who shares her insights and takes us behind the music. Listen to her melody (and many more) on this week’s praylist!
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(0:09) Learn more about our sponsor for this week, Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett & the Tov Podcast, here!
(0:17) Teshuva – תשובה – returning. Learn more here.
(1:09) Learn more about Chava Mirel here!
(2:01) Kittel – קיטל (Yiddish) – a traditional white garment worn by some during certain holy moments. Learn more here.
(3:10) Avinu Malkeinu – אבינו מלכנו – Our Father Our Ruler. Learn more here.
(3:42) Kol Nidrei – קול נדרי – the unique service that begins Yom Kippur. Learn more here.
(4:11) Bima – בימה – the platform from which the prayer-leader leads the service. Learn more here.
(5:47) Chagim – חגים – holidays.
(5:55) Listen to Shalom Rav by Ben Steinberg here.
(6:11) Chatima – חתימה – blessing at the end of the prayer.
(6:33) Bubbe – Yiddish word for grandmother.
(6:53) Psalm 27
Achat sha’alti me’et adonai otah avakesh shivti b’veit adonai kol yemei chayai lachazot b’noam adonai ulvaker beheychalo.
אַחַ֤ת ׀ שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי מֵֽאֵת־יְהֹוָה֮ אוֹתָ֢הּ אֲבַ֫קֵּ֥שׁ שִׁבְתִּ֣י בְּבֵית־יְ֭הֹוָה כׇּל־יְמֵ֣י חַיַּ֑י לַחֲז֥וֹת בְּנֹעַם־יְ֝הֹוָ֗ה וּלְבַקֵּ֥ר בְּהֵֽיכָלֽוֹ׃
One thing I ask of g?d, only that do I seek: to live in the house of g?d all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of g?d. (Translation from Sefaria)
One thing I have I sought from Adonai, how I long for it, that I may live in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, that I may look upon the sweetness of Adonai and spend time in the palace. (Translation by Rabbi Richard Levy)
This one says one thing I ask of the Divine, one thing I seek, may I dwell in the house of the infinite every day of my life, that I make gaze on the beauty of the presence and linger in the holy place. (Translation by Rabbi Jill Hammer)
(7:09) Learn more about the High Holidays here.
(9:04) Halacha – הלכה – Jewish law.
(9:39) Hamelech Basadeh – המלך בשדה – The King is in the field. Learn more here.
(18:06) Explore more about g?d names here.
(21:59) You can listen to our previous episode with Rabbi Dr. Lawrence Hoffman here.
(25:14) Learn more about Neilah – נעילה – and the concept of the Closing of the Gates here.
(27:33) Listen to Achat Sha’alti by Cantors Josh Goldberg and Jacqueline Rafii here.
(28:49) Learn more about Tashlich – תשליך – here.
(30:02) Learn more about Ashamnu – אשמנו – here.
(30:59) Misinai – מסיני – an expression meaning it’s been around a long time and we’re not quite sure where it comes from.
(31:31) Listen to Achat Sha’alti by Aly Halpert here.
(37:25) Listen to Up Up Down by Chava Mirel here.
(38:38) Shpilkes – שפילקס (Yiddish) – nervous energy.
(39:51) Learn more about Ashrei here.
(42:49) You can find After Ecstasy: The Laundry by Jack Kornfield here.
(43:56) Gan Eden – גן עדן – Garden of Eden.