Psalm 30: The Daily Psalm of Hannukah

This audio recording presents Chazan Maor Cohen singing Psalm 30 with a Moroccan melody. Allegedly composed by King David to be sung when his son, King Solomon, dedicated the Temple, this psalm of thanksgiving is designated as the Daily Psalm of Hannukah, to be recited at the end of the morning prayer services on each day of the holiday. The full Hebrew text is displayed onscreen, and an English translation is provided below.

Psalm 30

I will exalt You, HASHEM, for You have raised me up from the depths, and not let my foes rejoice over me. HASHEM, my God, I cried out to You and You healed me. HASHEM, You have raised up my soul from the lower world, You have preserved me lest I descend to the Pit. Sing to HASHEM, His devoted ones, and give thanks to His holy Name. For His anger endures but a moment; but life results from His pleasure; in the evening one lies down weeping, but with dawn — a cry of joy!

I had said in my serenity, ‘I would never falter’. But, HASHEM, it was Your good will alone that supported my greatness with might. Should You but conceal Your face, I would be terrified. To You, HASHEM, I would call and to my Lord I would appeal. What gain is there in my death, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust acknowledge You? Will it tell of Your Truth?

Hear, HASHEM, and favor me; HASHEM, be my helper! You have changed for me my lament into dancing; You undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy. So that my soul might sing to You and not be stilled, HASHEM my God, forever will I thank You.