'Bad things' rabbi looks at Psalm 23 in new devotional

America's most famous rabbi is Harold S. Kushner, thanks to the huge readership for his 1981 book "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," which is still in print.

Kushner's book handled the perennial problem in the title by trimming traditional belief in God's total power ("omnipotence," as theologians call it) to lessen God's responsibility for causing -- or not preventing -- those "bad things."

Tradition-minded Jews and Christians objected to that. Others commented that it's equally perplexing why so many good things happen to bad people, or to everyone. But Kushner's concept comforted many.

In a new little devotional book, "The Lord Is My Shepherd" (Knopf), the retired Conservative rabbi from Natick, Mass., revisits "bad things" and other themes as he analyzes the beloved Psalm 23.

Kushner, who has pondered this concise poem for more than 40 years, says Psalm 23 is the only chapter of the Bible that most English-speaking people can recite in its entirety, as opposed to remembering assorted biblical phrases or the outline of a story.

Why this psalm's unique appeal? He thinks it stems from "power to comfort the grieving and calm the fearful." He was drawn to write this book after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when many Americans were longing for such reassurance.

As with "Bad Things," traditionalists may question or quibble at some points, but he has solid rabbinical wisdom to impart. A summary of some of Kushner's comments about the famous phrases:

"The Lord is my shepherd." God doesn't promise a totally safe, painless existence but that he'll always be alongside us. The terrorist wins by stealing our sense of security, yet the actual odds of being a terror victim are tiny.

"I shall not want." The phrase doesn't teach Buddhist-type extermination of desire but affirms that we lack nothing we really need and should focus gratefully on what we have.

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures." God-given nature provides restful escape from modern overstimulation, such as loud colors and "television laugh tracks."

"He leads me beside the still waters." In biblical times, water signified chaos as well as thirst-quenching. The psalmist thanks God that the waters -- and his own emotions -- are under control.

"He restores my soul." Implications: Don't be consumed by career. Rest on the Sabbath day. Ask God to replenish our humanness when we tire of doing good.

"He guides me in straight paths for his name's sake." This should be retranslated, "roundabout ways that end up in the right direction." Hopefulness expands when we see God's hand in the good things that happen.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death." Awareness that each of us will die casts a shadow, but should help us make the most of our days. We honor the deceased by remembering them without surrendering to despair.

"I will fear no evil for thou art with me." When people encounter misfortune we don't need to explain it, or explain God, but 'simply to be with them." Similarly, "God does not explain. God comforts."

"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." The shepherd's staff helps straying or fallen sheep while his rod guides and punishes. For true comfort, we need God to do both.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." This doesn't express spite but faith that God provides nurture when others -- friends as well as enemies -- fail us.

"Thou anointest my head with oil." Since kings and messiahs are anointed, God signifies that each of us is a special person, with accompanying responsibilities.

"My cup runneth over." Gratitude for what we have (rather than feelings of entitlement) makes life more enjoyable.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." This refers to feeling upbeat about life and about oneself, and the experience of receiving things that we haven't earned and don't deserve.

"And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Awareness that every moment is "lived under God's watchful eye" provides both reassurance and challenge.