Today’s learning is dedicated to the refuah sheleima of Simcha Nosson ben Zissel.

In this post we will continue our discussion regarding the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Typically, we begin with a quote from Rebbe Nachman (in bold), but while we discuss this topic, we will be quoting Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, author of Tomer Devorah.

Attribute # 1 – Who, Hashem, is like You – מי א-ל כמוך

This Attribute teaches us that Hashem bears insult and endures offense, to an extent we cannot fathom.

Certainly, nothing is hidden from His eyes. Furthermore, our very existence, every motion, is sustained by the supernal force that flows from above. Thus, no sin has ever been committed unless at the very instant the person was sinning, Hashem was knowingly granting him the power to exist and move his limbs. Even though the sinner uses that force to sin, Hashem still does not withhold it from him at all. Hashem bears the affront of supplying him with the power and movement of his limbs, while he uses that power at that moment for sin, iniquity, and provocation; and Hashem endures it…

Hashem’s endurance and patience defy description. For this reason, the angels call Hashem, “Melech Aluv – the King Who endures disgrace.”

This is the meaning of “Who, Hashem, is like you?” You are Hashem Who does kindness and goodness. You are Hashem Who has the power to take revenge and gather what is Yours. Nonetheless, You endure and tolerate disgrace, until the sinners return in teshuva (repentance).   —   Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, Tomer Devorah

Rabbi Shmuel Meir Riachi teaches, “Creation is constantly being rejuvenated with the life-force that Hashem pours into it, enabling its continued existence, as the verse states, ‘You enliven them all.’ The Ralbag explains that when a human craftsman makes something, its continued existence does not depend on him. Not so with Hashem’s creations, whose continued existence depends on His constantly endowing them with new life.”

“The entire world, from the tiniest subatomic particle to the greatest stars in the sky, all the forces of nature – none of them could exist for even one moment, if Hashem would not continuously maintain them with His life-force that courses through the veins of the universe.”

As Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin zt’l writes, if Hashem was to withdraw His life-force from creation, everything would instantly revert to absolute nothingness (as it was prior to creation).

Similarly, we are taught that all of creation is renewed each day. As we say in our daily prayers, ”He illuminates the earth for those who dwell on it, with compassion; and in His goodness renews every day, continually, the work of creation.”  Thus, Hashem continuously renews and grants us with our abilities and faculties.

(Parenthetically, Rebbe Nachman teaches that this concept should bring us great comfort and encouragement. When our past begins to weigh us down, it is time to begin anew. Forget the past and start over again as if this is your very first day. Each day is a new creation, a new beginning, a new opportunity.)

Another principle of faith is that Hashem sees and knows all. As the verse states, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from Hashem’s sight.” He knows our every action and thought.

This is an incredible concept. Hashem continuously provides us with our capabilities and resources, even when these very blessings are used to sin against Him. This is the first Attribute of Hashem’s mercy, His tolerance and endurance.

Rabbi Cordovero adds that we would be mistaken to think that our free will prevents Hashem from withholding our abilities. As we see from various examples throughout Tanach, Hashem is in full control and can instantly withdraw a person’s power and capabilities if He so desires.

An example of this is when Hashem first instructed Moshe to redeem the Jewish people from Egypt. For seven days Hashem tried convincing Moshe that he was fit for the task, answering all of Moshe’s concerns.

When Moshe expressed worry over his speech impediment, Hashem responded, “Who gave a mouth to man, or makes him mute or deaf, able to see or blind? Is it not I, Hashem?” The Yalkut Shimoni explains that Hashem was referring to a specific incident that took place sixty years earlier. Moshe saw an Egyptian taskmaster striking a Jew and came to his defense, killing the Egyptian. Dasan and Aviram witnessed what had happened and informed Pharaoh who sentenced Moshe to death.

When Moshe was brought to the executioner, Hashem turned Moshe’s neck to stone causing the sword to bounce back, resulting in the death of the executioner. Moshe then began to flee past all of Pharoah’s guards. Some guards turned blind, not allowing them to see Moshe. Other guards turned deaf, unable to hear Pharoah’s commands. They became mute as well, incapable of informing others of Moshe’s whereabouts. For Moshe’s benefit, Hashem revoked the Egyptians free will and capabilities.

Similarly, in this week’s Torah portion we retell the story of how Balak, king of Moav, hired Bilam to curse the Jewish nation. Hashem allowed Balak and Bilam to plot and scheme, until the time came for Bilam to curse the nation, at which point Hashem forced him to bless the Jewish people instead. As the verse states, “Hashem, your G-d, did not want to heed Bilam’s request. Hashem, your G-d, transformed the curse into a blessing, because Hashem, your G-d, loves you.”

As Rabbi Riachi explains, “These incidents, and many other ones throughout Tanach, illustrate how although a person indeed has free will to choose between good and evil, Hashem still has the power to rescind from man at any moment the life-force he needs to implement his choice.”

Nonetheless, Hashem patiently waits for a person to repent, while continually providing all their needs.

When we exhibit this level of endurance and continue to act kindly and perform favors for others despite their offenses, it brings a corresponding flow of mercy from Above; Hashem’s Attribute of “Who, Hashem, is like You” is awakened, through which He continues to bestow sustenance and support even when these gifts are misused.  

Of course, this can be very difficult at times, and it may seem unnatural. But by emulating Hashem, we are trying to defy nature. Commenting on the verse, “The heavens are Hashem’s and the earth He gave to man,” the Chidushei HaRim elaborates, “Hashem gave the earth to man so that man should make it heavenly.”   

TO BE CONTINUED…

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