Recitation of Psalm 145 (Ashre)

R. Eleazar said [that] R. Avina said: Anyone who recites A psalm of David (Psalm 145) three times every day is assured of [a place in] the world to come. What is the reason? If you say that it is because it is arranged alphabetically, [then] let us say: Happy are they who are upright in the way (Psalm 119), where [the alphabetical arrangement] appears eight times. Rather, [if you suggest that this particular chapter is recited] because it contains [praise for God’s provision of sustenance to all of creation,] You open Your hand (Psalm 145:16), [then] let him recite the great hallel (Psalm 136), in which [numerous praises are] written, [including] Who provides food to all flesh (Psalm 136:25). Rather, it is because it contains both. R. Yoḥanan said: Why is there no [verse beginning with the letter] nun in ’ashrei? Because it contains [an allusion to] the downfall of the enemies of Israel, [a euphemism for Israel itself]. As it is written: The virgin of Israel has fallen and she will rise no more (Amos 5:2), which begins with the letter nun. Due to this verse, ’ashrei does not include a verse beginning with the letter nun. In order to ease the harsh meaning of this verse,] in the West, they interpreted it [with a slight adjustment]: “She has fallen but she shall fall no more; rise, virgin of Israel.” R Naḥman bar Isaac [adds]: Even so, David went and [provided] support, through divine inspiration. [Although King David did not include a verse beginning with the letter nun, he foresaw the verse that would be written by Amos; and the very next verse, which begins with the letter samekh, reads:] The Lord upholds the fallen (Psalm 145:14).