Mercy

Mercy

This new piece is based on G-d’s 13 Attributes of Mercy from Exodus 34:6-7 (“The L-RD! the L-RD! a G-d compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness, extending kindness to the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin…)”

The exact breakdown of the 13 attributes varies. However, my intended focus is a visual aid for meditating on G-d’s love for us and doing teshuva during the month of Elul until Yom Kippur. Knowing about G-d’s mercy leads to inner peace (symbolized by the dove).

1 Adonai (יְהוָה) The name of compassion. Emphasis on Adonai’s compassion and mercy BEFORE a person sins. He foreknows all we will do.

2 Adonai (יְהוָה) The name of compassion. His compassion AFTER a person has sinned or gone astray.

3 El (אֵל) The name of loving-kindness. Mighty in compassion. Powerful over man and nature.

4 Rachum (רַחוּם) Merciful (towards humankind.) Compassionate. Loving sympathy for our frailty.

5 Chanun (חַנּוּן) Gracious and forgiving. Showing mercy even to those who do not earn it, comforting the afflicted, and lifting up the oppressed.

6. Erech appayim (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם) Slow to anger. Abundant in goodness/kindness. Longsuffering. Allowing time to reflect, correct, and repent.

7. Rav chesed (רַב חֶסֶד) Abundant in Goodness, kindness, plenteous in mercy. G-d showing us kindness by blessing us with more gifts and blessings than we deserve.

8. Emet (אֱמֶת) Truth. Forgiving iniquity. Rewards our service to Him.

9 Notzer chesed laalafim (נֹצֵר חֶסֶד לָאֲלָפִים) Keeping mercy/kindness unto the thousands, preserver of kindness for thousands of generations. God’s remembrance of righteous deeds and extending it to our offspring.

10 Noseh avon (נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן) Forgiving iniquity/sin. God forgiving intentional sin with the condition that the sinner repents

11. Noseh peshah (נֹשֵׂא פֶשַׁע) Forgiving transgression. Forgiver of willful sin (peshah). G-d allowing even sins committed malicious intent of rebelling against and angering Him by the opportunity to repent.

12. Noseh chatah (נֹשֵׂא חַטָּאָה) Forgiving sin/error committed out of carelessness, thoughtlessness, or apathy.

13. Venakeh (וְנַקֵּה) …and pardoning/cleaning. God is merciful, gracious, and forgiving, wiping away the sins of those who truly repent; however, if one does not repent, God does not cleanse.