When a loved one passes away, it is a cherished Jewish custom to recite Tehillim (Psalms) chosen according to the letters of the deceased’s Hebrew name, followed by the El Malei Rachamim memorial prayer and the Mourner’s Kaddish. Use the tool below to generate this complete, personalized reading in the original Hebrew, ready to read at the graveside, during shiva, sheloshim, at an unveiling, or on the yahrzeit.
What Is Tehillim by Name?
Psalm 119 is structured as an alphabetical acrostic, with eight verses for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The custom is to recite the eight verses corresponding to each letter of the departed’s Hebrew name, followed by the verses for the letters נ-ש-מ-ה (Neshama, meaning “soul”). These are typically preceded by a set of seven complete Psalms that are recited regardless of the name. Together, this reading is a meaningful way to invoke the person’s memory through the words of King David himself. This tool completes the reading with the personalized אל מלא רחמים (El Malei Rachamim) memorial prayer and the traditional text of the Mourner’s Kaddish.
When Is It Recited?
Families commonly recite Tehillim by name during the week of shiva, at the conclusion of sheloshim, at the unveiling of the matzevah (headstone), and every year on the yahrzeit. It is especially meaningful when recited at the gravesite itself, but it may be said anywhere, at any time, by family and friends who wish to honor the memory of the person who has passed.
Generate the Tehillim for Your Loved One
How to Use This Tool
Type the deceased’s Hebrew first name in the first field, exactly as it would appear in a Hebrew document. If you would like, add an English transliteration so the heading is easy to read for family members. Then enter the Hebrew name of the father (for a son) or mother (for a daughter), following local custom. When you click Generate Tehillim, the page will display, in order: the seven opening Psalms, the verses of Psalm 119 that correspond to each letter of the name, the closing verses for the word Neshama, the El Malei Rachamim memorial prayer personalized with the name you entered, and the text of the Mourner’s Kaddish. You can then print the page or read directly from your phone at the cemetery. Kaddish should only be recited where a minyan (ten adult Jews) is present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minyan to recite Tehillim by name?
No. Unlike Kaddish, Tehillim may be recited by anyone, alone or with others, at any time and in any place. Many families say it together at the graveside, while others recite it privately at home on the yahrzeit. For convenience, this page also displays the text of the Mourner’s Kaddish, but Kaddish itself should only be recited where a minyan (ten adult Jews) is present.
What if I’m not sure how the Hebrew name is spelled?
Please double-check with a family member, rabbi, or the burial society (chevra kadisha) that handled the burial. A small spelling difference changes which letters, and therefore which verses, are used in the reading.
Can Tehillim by name be recited years after the passing?
Yes. This reading is not limited to the first year of mourning. Many families make it part of their ongoing yahrzeit practice, reciting it at the grave or at home every year in loving memory.
Does every community follow the exact same custom?
Practices vary somewhat from community to community. This tool now also includes the El Malei Rachamim memorial prayer, personalized with the name you enter, and the traditional text of the Mourner’s Kaddish, which requires a minyan and is usually led by a rabbi or officiant. If you do not have a minyan available, our team can arrange one to recite the full service at the graveside in Jerusalem on your behalf.
Is the El Malei Rachamim prayer personalized for my loved one?
Yes. As soon as you generate the reading, the אל מלא רחמים (El Malei Rachamim) prayer is automatically personalized with the deceased’s Hebrew name and the name of the father or mother, using the correct traditional wording for a son or a daughter.
Want This Recited in Person at the Grave in Jerusalem?
If your loved one is buried in Jerusalem and you live abroad, our team can arrange a full minyan to recite these Tehillim, Kaddish, and Keil Malei Rachamim directly at the graveside, with real-time photos sent to you. Visit our main page to learn about our Yahrzeit and Kaddish services.