Pesukei DeZimra

PESUKEI DEZIMRA The following introductory blessing to the Pesukei DeZimra (Verses of Praise) is said standing, while holding the two front tzitziot of the tallit. They are kissed and released at the end of the blessing at "songs of praise" (on the next page). From the beginning of this prayer to the end of the Amida, conversation is forbidden. See table on pages 1384-1386 for permitted congregational responses. Some say: I hereby prepare my mouth to thank, praise and laud my Creator, for the sake of the unification of the Holy One, blessed be He, and His Divine Presence, through that which is hidden and concealed, in the name of all Israel. BLESSED IS HE WHO SPOKE and the world came into being, blessed is He. Blessed is He who speaks and acts. Blessed is He who decrees and fulfills. Blessed is He who creates the universe. Blessed is He who shows compassion to the earth. Blessed is He who shows compassion to all creatures. Blessed is He who gives a good reward to those who fear Him. Blessed is He who lives for ever and exists to eternity. Blessed is He who redeems and saves. Blessed is His name. they prayed for an hour, and then waited again for an hour." Prayer requires mental preparation beforehand, as well as a gradual leave-taking afterward. It is impossible to move directly from worldly concerns to the intense con- centration required for genuine prayer, and vice versa. The verse cited in support of this practice is "Happy are they that dwell in Your House" (Psalm 84:5), and this verse occupies a prominent place at the heart of the Verses of Praise.