Barekhi Nafshi

("Bless [the Lord], O my soul"). Opening words of Psalm 104, a hymn of praise to God and the wonders of His creation that has been incorporated in the Jewish liturgy. Ashkenazim recite it after the Sabbath Afternoon Service, during the period between Sukkot and Passover. The creation theme in general, and this psalm's reference to the lunar cycle (v. 19) in particular, explain the other liturgical use of Barekhi Nafshi---after the Additional Service on the morning of New Moon (Rosh Ḥodesh). Sephardim and Eastern Jews read it also before Evening Service on the previous night.

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