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Reading Psalm 27 during the month of Elul is a widespread Jewish tradition meant to prepare the heart and soul for the upcoming High Holy Days.

Tehillim (Psalms) - Chapter 27

Hashem is my light and my help. Whom should I fear? Hashem is the strength of my life. Whom should I dread?

When those who do harm come near to devour me— my foes and my enemies— they stumble and fall.

If an army camps against me, my heart will not be afraid. If war rises against me, even then I will trust.

One thing I have asked of Hashem; this I will seek: to dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life, to see the beauty of Hashem and to visit Him in His temple.

I will be hidden in his shelter on an evil day. He will conceal me in His tent. He will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted above the enemies around me. In His tent I will offer shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to Hashem.

Hear my voice, Oh Eternal One, when I call. Be gracious to me and answer me.

My heart has said of You, “Seek My presence.” Your presence, Hashem, I will seek.

Do not hide Your face from me. Do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not leave me. Do not forsake me, God of my salvation.

Though my father and my mother abandon me, Hashem will take me in.

Teach me Your way, Hashem, and lead me on a level path because of my watchful enemies.

Do not hand me over to the will of my adversaries. False witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.

I would have lost heart unless I had believed I would see the goodness of Hashem in the land of the living.

Hope in Hashem, be strong and have courage in your heart. Look to Hashem.

Welcome to Parsha in Plain English.

I’m glad you’re here.

This podcast is simple.

Every week, you’ll hear a clear, modern English reading of the weekly Torah portion — the parsha.

No long commentary.

No dense analysis.

Just the text and the story, spoken in plain English so you can listen, follow along, and take it in wherever you are — in the car, on a walk, while cooking, or sitting quietly at home. You can absorb the story and it's flow wherever you are.

The goal is to make the weekly parsha accessible. Whether you’ve studied Torah for years or you’re just starting to explore it, these episodes are meant to be easy to hear and easy to return to.

New episodes will come out every week, following the weekly parsha schedule.

Our first full episode will be Parshat Bereshit, the beginning of the Torah.

That episode will be released on October 4, 2026.

Until then, thank you for listening.

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I’ll see you on October 4th for Parshat Bereshit.

This is Parsha in Plain English.