Psalms for Soul Elevation (Iluy Neshama)
Which Psalms are said for the elevation of a soul?
For the elevation of a departed soul (Iluy Neshama), the traditional chapters are: 1, 23, 49, 90, 91, 112, 130, 145, 150. Chapter 49 ("Hear this, all peoples") is recited specifically during the week of mourning (Shiva), as it speaks directly about death and the eternity of the soul. Chapter 90 ("A prayer of Moses, the man of God") reflects on the brevity of human life and divine eternity.
For the elevation of a departed soul, Jewish tradition designates specific Psalm chapters. Chapter 49 ("Hear this, all peoples") is recited in the house of mourning because it speaks directly about mortality and the eternity of the soul. Chapter 90 ("A prayer of Moses") reflects on the brevity of human life against divine eternity. A widely observed custom is to recite Psalms according to the letters of the departed person's name — following the method of Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (Chida, 1724–1806), who established that the stanzas of Psalm 119 correspond to each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is also customary to complete a full Book of Psalms (all 150 chapters) on the day of passing and throughout the year of mourning. These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities and authorities may use slightly different chapter sets.
Based on traditional sources
Traditional Chapters
| Chapter | Opening Verse | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| א | אשרי האיש | פותח ספר תהילים — כללי |
| כג | ה' רועי לא אחסר | בית האבל — נחמה |
| מט | שמעו זאת כל העמים | מיוחד לאבל — נאמר בשבעה |
| צ | תפילה למשה איש האלוקים | קוצר חיי האדם |
| צא | יושב בסתר עליון | שמירת הנשמה |
| קיב | הללויה אשרי איש ירא ה' | צדיקים וחסידים |
| קל | שיר המעלות ממעמקים | תפילה לנשמת הנפטר |
| קמה | אשרי יושבי ביתך | יומי — נאמר שלוש פעמים |
| קנ | הללויה הללו אל בקדשו | סיום ספר תהילים |
These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities may use slightly different chapter sets.
שאלות נפוצות
Which Psalms are said for the elevation of a soul?+
The central chapters for Iluy Neshama: 1, 23, 49, 90, 91, 112, 130, 145, 150. Chapter 49 is particularly designated for recitation in the house of mourning — it is said at the morning service during the seven days of Shiva.
What is the difference between "Psalms for the soul" and "Psalms by name"?+
"Psalms by name" (the Chida method) selects stanzas from Psalm 119 according to the letters of the person's name. For example, for the name "Avraham" — Aleph corresponds to verses 1-8, Bet to verses 9-16, and so on. This method allows a personalized recitation focused specifically on the departed.
How many books of Psalms are recited on the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing)?+
On the yahrzeit, the custom is to complete one full Book of Psalms (all 150 chapters) for the elevation of the departed soul. In some communities, three complete books are recited.
Can Psalms for soul elevation be recited after the year of mourning?+
Yes. The custom is to recite Psalms for soul elevation on the yahrzeit each year, and whenever the departed comes to mind. There is no time limit — any recitation with intention benefits the soul.
Sources
- • מנהג ישראל בבית האבל — שבוע השבעה
- • מנהג החיד"א — ר' חיים יוסף דוד אזולאי (1724–1806)
- • Westminster Leningrad Codex (Public Domain) — openscriptures/morphhb
Based on traditional sources — not a substitute for rabbinic guidance