A personal Midrash on the Kanaani, compassion, and the quiet protection that comes from within

In Jewish tradition, there is a unique text known as Perek Shirah.It is an ancient composition, woven from verses of Tanakh — especially from the Psalms.

According to the teachings of our sages, this work is connected to King David, the King of Israel, and his son, King Solomon.

It is said that after King David completed the Book of Psalms, he came to realize that all of creation — each in its own way — praises the Creator. And then it became clear: man is not the only one who sings. The entire world sings.

The heavens. The earth. The sun. The moon. The stars. The clouds. The wind. The rain. Birds. Animals. Each has its own verse. Its own line. Its own way of serving the Creator. And among these voices, there is the voice of the cat.

In Perek Shirah, the cat says:

“I will pursue my enemies and overtake them…”

At first glance, it seems to be about hunting. But if one pauses it is not about prey. It is about a quality. Persistence. Alertness. The refusal to let go. The cat does not speak. It acts. And this is its song. And a person who lives alongside it begins to feel this.

When you care for a cat, when you worry about it, when you pray for it — you are no longer........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)