Psalm 104

Used to be rid of one's enemies, according to Shimush Tehillim, and there is an Ashkenazic tradition of reading Psalm 104 on Rosh Chodesh and Tu B’Shevat.

Bless Shekhinah, my soul.
Shekhinah, my Goddess, you are very great.
Clothed in majesty and glory; wrapped in a robe of light,
You stretch the heavens like a bolt of cloth.

The waters are your rails; the clouds your chariot.
You walk with breath as your wings.
You make messengers of life-breaths
And your servants to burn with fire.

You set the earth on its foundation
That we may always stand firm.
You spread the oceans as a robe;
Waters caressing the mountain tops.
The veil of waters fell away at your word
Revealing all with the sound your thunder.
Mountains rose and valleys fell to the place created for them.
You set your boundary marker so the earth might be born.

Springs burst forth from you
And flow through the mountains.
All creatures drink from you and never need thirst.
Birds that dwell near the heavens sing your songs from the branches.
All the earth is a gift to your creatures.

You cause the grass to rise for cattle and
Weeds to grow for man that brings bread from the earth.
Wine brings joy to the heart, making faces shine like oil, and
Bread which sustains the life of humanity

The cedars of Lebanon are blessed of Shekinah,
Where the little birds build their nests and,
On the highest of branches of the fir-tree, the stork has its home.
Even the highest mountains can be home to wild goats
And jagged rocks sanctuary to marmot.

You made the moon to tell the seasons;
The sun knows when to set.
You bring darkness on
And when night falls the beasts awaken.

Lions roar and hunt their food from the Divine Presence.
The sun rises and it is day.
The lions return to their dens
And humanity’s work begins.

Shekhinah, what variety you have created,
Arranging everything with wisdom!
The earth is complete with your creation.

Even the vast expanse of ocean,
Teeming with countless creatures,
Life both large and small,
Ships going to and fro
And Leviathan whom you made to amuse you.

All must wait for the food in its due season
You give them food and they gather it up
And are happy with good
When we do not feel blessed by your Presence
Our world withers and dies
When we awaken to your presence
Our world is renewed and refreshed
May the glory of Shekhinah remain ever present
And rejoice in your works.

I will sing a song and rejoice in the wonder of Creation
Each day that I live
Let my praise and song be blessed by the Shekhinah
As I will feel blessed each day
Let all turn their faces to Shekhinah
Bless Shekhinah, my soul.

Translation by Kohenet Ketzirah haMa’agelet

Explore the original Hebrew and other interpretations on Sefaria.org.