Picture this: The Israelites are just coming off a major party-foul—building the Golden Calf while Moses was up on the mountain getting the most epic list of rules ever (aka the Ten Commandments). What do you do when you realize you’ve messed up big time and HaShem isn’t thrilled? You get Moses, the ultimate negotiator, to step in and smooth things over.
Moses, being the king of timing, took this moment to ask HaShem not just for forgiveness this time, but for a lifetime supply of mercy in case they mess up again. And guess what? HaShem was like, “Alright, I got you.” Enter: the 13 Attributes of Mercy.
These 13 divine characteristics are like the ultimate cheat code in life’s video game—they guarantee that no matter how far off track we go, HaShem is always ready with compassion, forgiveness, and love.
Let’s Break it Down:
So, what are these 13 Attributes? Well, imagine HaShem passing before Moses on the mountain (cue dramatic music) and proclaiming these timeless traits:
1. HaShem – Compassion before we sin.
2. HaShem – Compassion after we sin (because, let’s be real, we all slip up).
3. G‑d – Mighty in compassion, providing for every creature.
4. Merciful – So you don’t stress too much.
5. Gracious – Extra care when you’re already in distress.
6. Slow to Anger – You know, unlike us when our Wi-Fi is slow.
7. Abundant in Kindness – Overflowing with lovingkindness.
8. Truth – Keeping it real, always.
9. Preserving Kindness for Thousands – Remember, mercy isn’t just a one-time deal.
10. Forgiving Iniquity – Those big oops moments.
11. Forgiving Rebellion – The “I knew it was wrong and did it anyway” times.
12. Forgiving Sin – Even the small slip-ups.
13. Pardoning – The final flourish of forgiveness.
You might think, "Why not 10 or 12?" Well, 13 represents going beyond limits. While 12 is all about structure and order (think 12 months, 12 tribes), 13 means “Let’s throw out the rulebook and get infinite with it.” When HaShem shows mercy, it’s not a little sprinkle here and there—it’s an endless waterfall of compassion.
Plus, if you add up the Hebrew letters of the word echad (one), you get 13. It’s like HaShem is reminding us of His infinite oneness and how He’s beyond all limitations. Basically, mercy without bounds.
Here’s where it gets interesting. You might be thinking, "Does HaShem really have feelings like we do?" Maimonides, the OG Jewish philosopher, says no. HaShem doesn’t get emotional like humans because He’s infinite, above all that. When we talk about G‑d being "merciful" or "gracious," we’re just using human terms to describe how HaShem interacts with us. It’s like trying to describe Wi-Fi in caveman language—it’s never going to capture the whole picture.
But here’s the kicker: Even though HaShem is beyond human emotions, He still acts with compassion in ways we can understand. It’s like HaShem’s divine light gets filtered down so we can perceive it in this world, and that’s how we experience His mercy.
Okay, now let’s dive a little deeper (kabbalistic style). Moses wasn’t the only one to receive divine attributes. The prophet Micah also got his own set of 13 Attributes of Mercy, and spoiler alert: they’re even more next-level. While Moses' attributes have a touch of judgment (like truth), Micah’s are all mercy, all the time—no judgment, just pure love.
In Kabbalistic terms, Moses’ attributes are called Zeir Anpin (small face), and Micah’s are Arich Anpin (big face). It’s like comparing a small sip of water to a full-blown ocean—Micah’s attributes reflect HaShem’s mercy on the grandest scale.
So, why does any of this matter to you today, scrolling through life’s drama on your phone? Because the 13 Attributes of Mercy are your spiritual safety net. Whenever you feel like you’ve messed up, like life is overwhelming, or like you’re not enough, you can turn to these attributes. They’re built into our prayers, especially during Yom Kippur, when we’re asking HaShem for forgiveness. It’s the ultimate reset button.
It’s also a reminder that HaShem isn’t like that one friend who ghosts you after a misunderstanding. No matter how far you’ve wandered, HaShem is ready to forgive and embrace you with infinite compassion.
We all have moments where we feel like we’ve gone too far, where we’ve let ourselves (or others) down. But the 13 Attributes remind us that there’s always a way back. HaShem’s mercy isn’t limited by human standards. It’s not transactional or conditional—it’s boundless. So next time you’re feeling low, remember: HaShem’s got your back, always and forever.
Now go out there, embrace the chaos of life, and don’t forget: forgiveness is always just 13 attributes away!
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
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