Chodesh Elul - L’Dovid Hashem Ori

QUESTION: Why do we recite “L’Dovid Hashem Ori” from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Shmini Atzeres?

ANSWER: Sefer Elef L’Magen (581:6) writes that the reason for this custom is because this chapter of Tehillim alludes to the period of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkos. The Midrash states that “Ori” (my light) refers to Rosh Hashanah, “Yishi” (my salvation) refers to Yom Kippur, and “yitzpeneni b’Suko” (He will shelter me in his hut) refers to Sukkos. It is therefore appropriate to recite L’Dovid during this time.

Divrei Malkiel (6:23) cites a different Midrash that explains this chapter as referring to the future day of judgement. At that point, the world leaders will make accusations against the Jewish people, and reciting “L’Dovid Hashem Ori” will protect against their allegations. Since the time between Elul and Shmini Atzeres is a period of “din” (judgment), it is proper to recite L’Dovid during this time of year for protection. He explains that this is why many have the custom to recite L’Dovid at Shacharis and Mincha - because Shacharis begins and Mincha ends the time of judgment each day. Those who recite L’Dovid at Ma’ariv are of the opinion that the judgment referred to in the Medrash is the “din” of Yerushalyim, and therefore we follow Yerushalayim time; for those who live outside of Israel, part of the night in the diaspora is daytime in Yerushalayim.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.