Page 28 - HaMizrachi02-04( #12)2019RoshHaShanaYomKippurUSA

Rabbi Ari Kahn
MERCY and
JUDGMENT
e all know that Rosh
Hashanah marks the
WJewish new year. Pre-
sumably, this day commemorates
the Creation of the world, the begin- the expression, ‘Hashem Elokim’”
ning of time.
The Talmud, however, reports a
difference of opinion regarding
Creation: “It has been taught: Rabbi
Eliezer says: In Tishrei the world
was created… Rabbi Yehoshua says:
In Nissan the world was created”
(Rosh Hashanah 10b-11a).
Rabbeinu Tam sees no contradiction
between the opinions of Rabbi
Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua: “These
and these are the words of the
living G-d, and one may say that
the thought to create was formed
in Tishrei, while the actual creation
did not take place until Nissan”
(Tosfot Rosh Hashanah 27a).
According to Rabbeinu Tam, the
two concepts are not at odds; they
simply emphasize two different
aspects of Creation – theory and
practice.
This notion, that Creation began
with a “thought” or concept,
may also be found in Rashi’s
commentary to the first verse in the
Torah. Drawing on the Midrash,
Rashi notes that the Divine Name
found in the verses describing
Creation is Elokim, the aspect of
G-d associated with justice. In
later chapters, when the account
of Creation is restated, Hashem
Elokim, the Divine Name that
combines the attributes of judgment
and mercy, is used (Bereishit 2:4).
“Hashem Elokim [made the heavens
and the earth]… Said the Holy One,
blessed be He: 'If I create the world
on the basis of mercy alone, its
sins will be great; on the basis of
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judgment alone, the world cannot are our goals and aspirations, our
exist. Hence I will create it on the blueprint for the future? In the
basis of judgment and of mercy, month of Tishrei, Elokim judges
and may it then stand!’ Hence each individual’s plan with the
strictness He applied to the concept
(Bereishit Rabbah 22:15). of Creation. However, when it comes
to judging our actions, our ability to
The combination of justice and live up to that plan, Hashem Elokim
compassion in the second chapter fuses compassion with judgment,
of Bereishit now becomes clear, yet just as He did in the actual Creation
the Midrash does not explain why of the universe. Then, as now, G-d
the first verse of the Torah uses only understands human frailty.
Elokim – implying that G-d created
the world using only the attribute of The quintessential example is
justice. the Akeida. When Avraham is
Rashi addresses this problem, called upon to sacrifice his son,
explaining that the idea of Creation he formulates a plan to obey G-d’s
command
question.
without
was formulated by Elokim. The
concept underlying Creation is The plan was enough; the actual
based on justice, although the actual sacrifice was no longer necessary.
Creation had to be carried out with Elokim judged Avraham for his
mercy and justice fused together if intention, for his plan.
humankind was to survive. Rosh Hashanah, literally the
Rav Gedalia Shore suggested the ‘head’ of the year, alludes to this
following formulation: the concept same dynamic. As we approach
of Creation is based on justice; Rosh Hashanah, we are obliged to
the actual Creation is based on formulate a plan using our intellect,
mercy and justice. The concept of the Divine Image with which we
have been endowed. Nonetheless,
Creation arose in Tishrei, while G-d understands that we will
the actual Creation took place in fail at times. We are judged for
Nissan. Therefore, Tishrei is a time these failings, but the judgment is
of judgment, while Nissan is a time tempered with compassion.
of mercy.
Perhaps we can take this one The days that lead up to Rosh
step further. The strict aspect of Hashanah, when mankind will
stand before G-d in fear and dread
judgment relates to G-d’s concept of His judgment, are the time to
of Creation, to the realm of thought,
formulate our plans for life. May
to Elokim. This type of judgment, we be blessed with the strength
which holds sway in the month to implement our plans, and may
of Tishrei, relates to the thoughts G-d judge us with mercy on the
of each and every individual. occasions when we fail.
Just as G-d Himself created a
plan, a concept of Creation, we
as individuals are given Rosh Rabbi Ari Kahn is Director of the
Hashanah to formulate our own Overseas Student Program at Bar-Ilan
plan. What sort of life do we intend University, where he is a senior lecturer
to lead in the coming year? What in Jewish Studies