Introduction
“Hodu l’Hashem, kiru b’shmo—Praise G-d, call out in His Name”
In the synagogue, the chazzan begins the communal prayer with Kaddish Derabannan, followed by the prayer of Hodu. Beginning with this paragraph, the chazzan leads the prayers, reciting the conclusion of each section aloud.
- When praying along with a congregation, one should pause after the conclusion of each section of the prayers, wait for the chazzan to conclude that section, and then continue to the next passage.
This passage is made up of many different verses, primarily drawn from the Book of Psalms, and serves as an introduction of sorts to the communal prayers. King David used to recite this passage daily during the period of his reign.
- We recite Hodu while sitting.
If you are not familiar with the prayers or you have lost track of where the chazzan is up to, do not be ashamed to ask the people around you. They will certainly be happy to help you.
“Mizmor Shir Chanukat Habayit L’Dovid—A song of praise for David, at the inauguration of the House”
Hodu is followed by the recitation of chapter 30 of the Book of Psalms, which was composed by King David in 76 anticipation of the inauguration of the First Temple, which was to be built by his son, King Solomon.
This chapter expresses our faith that G-d will always accept our prayers. We voice our confidence that the suffering that human beings endure in this world is only temporary and that salvation will certainly come, just as the sun rises and warms the world after the long, cold night. We are permeated with the sense that we are completely dependent on G-d, and we ask Him to turn our sorrow into joy and our lamentations into song and dance.
“Hashem Melech—G-d is the King” and additional paragraphs
After Mizmor Shir, we find ourselves heading toward Baruch Sheamar, the lengthy blessing that introduces Pesukei Dezimrah. At this stage, we declare our acceptance of G-d’s Kingship with the words, “G-d is the King, G-d has reigned, G-d will reign forever.” We then conclude the passage with the words, “G-d will be King over the whole land.”
- At this point, one should rise and remain standing until after Mizmor l’Todah.
This passage is followed by a couple of additional paragraphs—“Hoshieinu—Save us” and “Lamenatzeiach b’neginos, mizmor shir—To the conductor of the songs, a song of praise.”
