Psalm 136

Manuscript of Psalm 136

Psalm 136 is the 136th psalm (135th in Septuagint) from the Book of Psalms. It is sometimes referred to as "The Great Hallel".^[1]

Uses

Judaism

• Is recited in its entirety during the Pesukei Dezimra on Shabbat, Yom Tov, and Hoshana Rabbah.^[2]
• Is recited on the eighth day of Passover in some traditions.^[3]
• Verse 1 is part of the final paragraph of Birkat Hamazon.^[4]
• Verse 4 is recited when opening the Hakafot on Simchat Torah.^[5]
• Verse 6 is recited in Rokah Ha'aertz Al Hamayim of Birkat HaShachar.^[6]
• Verse 7 is part of Likel Barukh in Blessings before the Shema.^[7]
• Verse 25 is part of the opening paragraph of Birkat Hamazon.^[8]

Eastern Orthodox

• Along with Psalm 135 (LXX numbers as 134 & 135 respectively) is called the Polyeleos or translated to "Many Mercies", named such after the refrain used "for His mercy endures forever". The Polyeleos is sung at Orthros (Matins) of a Feast Day and at Vigils. In some Slavic traditions and on Mt. Athos it is read every Sunday at Orthros.
• On Mt. Athos it is considered one of the most joyful periods of Matins-Liturgy, and the highest point of Matins. In Athonite practice, all the candles are lit, and the chandeliers are made to swing as the Psalms are sung, it is also accompanied by a joyful peal of the bells and censing of the church, sometimes with a hand censer which has many bells on it.
• At vigils, it accompanies the opening of the Royal Doors and a great censing of the nave by the Priest(s) or Deacon(s).

References

1. Light and Fire of the Baal Shem Tov By Yitzhak Buxbaum, page 399
2. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 384
3. The Artscroll Tehillim page 329
4. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 195
5. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 759
6. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 20
7. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 88
8. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 185