Psalms that Speak to You, by Yitzchok Leib Bell (Book of the Month, Tevet 5786)

Psalms that Speak to You, described as "a clear and meaningful translation for our generation", is a volume that many Anglophone Israelis own -- and which has been much in use over the past two years when we have been drawn into the regular recitation of Tehillim for the members of our armed forces, for those held captive and those in need of a refuah shelemah. 

The emotional profundity and spiritual depth of the 150 psalms that make up our canonical book cannot be doubted. Somehow, however, their meaning eludes us and we are left to do our best with words and poetical modes of expression that are not so familiar. This is where Psalms that Speak to You comes in. The English translation is plain and idiomatic, while losing none of the dignity of the Hebrew. In terms of its presentational format, the large, clear print is easy on the eye and the translation lies directly opposite the Hebrew on the page.

The author, Yitzchok Leib Bell, lives locally. He is a member of Beit Knesset Hanassi.