Hi friends and welcome to the 1840 podcast where each month we explore different topic balancing modern

sensibilities with traditional sensitivities to give you new approaches to timeless Jewish ideas.

I'm your host, David Bischofkin, and this month,

we're continuing our exploration of loss. This podcast is part of a larger exploration of those big,

juicy Jewish ideas, so be sure to check out 1840.org, where you can also find videos, articles, recommended readings,

and weekly emails.

One of the most powerful passages in Psalms in the book of Tehilim is found in the 23rd chapter of Psalms where we read, and this is known both in the Jewish world and outside the

Jewish world, because it is something that I think many religions that adopt the New Testament

found this verse to just be incredibly powerful. It's in the 23rd chapter. It's read in traditional

Jewish communities very often the third meal of Shabbas.

And it says as follows, it says, gam, ki-e-e-le-begates-al-mav-as. Even though I walk, literally

begates al-Movas, in the shadow of death, lo-ir-rah-rah, I will not fear evil. I will not fear harm. I will not fear suffering. Even in that moment,

walking in the shadow of death, I will not be afraid. Why not? Because you are with me.

Shivtacha and your stickantacha, your stick, your staff and your rod, Heima Yenachamuni,

Provide me comfort.

And it's a powerful verse because who hasn't been in some situation, in some point in their lives,

of some period of brokenness, where they looked up,

and whether or not they believe in God or the traditional God,

you look up towards something and say, I need help.

And it's in those moments where there's some sense of comfort, there's some sense of relief,

there's some change in perspective from that knowledge that no matter where we are,

there is something transcendent with us.

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