If your synagogue is like mine, every morning after Shacharit since the October 7 massacre, the congregation has collectively recited two chapters of Tehillim (Psalms). We have prayed for the hostages, the wounded, the families consumed by the war, and the soldiers still fighting the terrorist regimes surrounding Israel.

This morning, just before the recitation began, a member of the minyan offered good wishes to another congregant who was making aliyah to Israel that evening. He and his wife would be joining their son, who serves in the Israel Defense Forces, and their new daughter-in-law. Hopefully, many more smachot, joyous occasions, await them in their new home.

It was a wonderful moment. But then we proceeded with the same two chapters of Tehillim.

I think we missed an opportunity.

We have become accustomed to reciting Psalms when something is wrong. We pray for healing, protection, salvation and the return of those in danger. But there are also moments when we should gather to celebrate what is right.

Throughout Shacharit, we recite numerous chapters and verses of Tehillim. They praise God’s greatness, celebrate His creation, recount His miracles, express gratitude for His kindness and affirm His justice. Some call upon all humanity to praise God. Others speak of Jerusalem, the Jewish people and the ultimate redemption.

Yet Psalm 128, all of six verses, offers something different. It celebrates the blessings of an ordinary, happy Jewish life.

The Psalm begins with a person who fears God and walks in His ways:

“When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.”

It continues with the blessings of marriage and family:

“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your house; your children like olive plants around your table.”

The Psalm then expands from the home to the Jewish homeland:

“May the Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see your children’s children. Peace upon Israel.”

In six short verses, the Psalm moves from meaningful work to marriage, children, grandchildren, Jerusalem and peace upon Israel. There is no mention of wealth, fame or power. Happiness is found in building a good life, enjoying one’s family and seeing the next generation flourish in the Jewish homeland.

What better Psalm to recite for a family making aliyah, joining their children in Israel and beginning a new chapter of their lives?

And what better Psalm to recite every Shabbat?

For six days, we work to provide for our families and build our lives. On Shabbat, we stop working and enjoy the fruits of that labor. Families gather around the table. Parents enjoy their children. Grandparents celebrate another generation.

Psalm 128 describes precisely what we hope to experience on Shabbat, connecting the happiness of our homes to the prosperity of Jerusalem and the peace of Israel.

Synagogues should make Psalm 128 a regular part of Shabbat morning, just before Kiddush. Six verses to celebrate the blessings of family, meaningful work, Jewish continuity and our homeland.

We know how to come together to ask God for what we are missing. We should be just as practiced at celebrating what He has given us.