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From: Russell Hendel <rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Date: Sun, 27 Jun 1999 15:59:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: TETRAGRAMMATORN=New Existence; ELOKIM=Preserve Social Structure

I recently cited the distinction "TETRAGRAMMATON=God with Attribute of
Mercy" while "ELOKIM=God with attribute of Justice."  Yitzchak Zlochower
in v29n84 citing verses such as Dt32:36 ("When God Judges his nation")--
criticized this distinction.

But this distinction (Mercy-Justice) is not my own but occurs frequently
in Talmudic literature. I cited it as a convenience.  A more precise
explanation is given already by Rav Hirsch who formulates as follows:
ELOKIM denotes God in his capacity to preserve the present structure of
the world like ELOKIM=JUDGE who preserves the present social-civil
structures

The TETRAGRAMMATON from the ROOT HYH=To exist, denotes God in his
capacity to create new existences. Usually these new existences
counteract existing evil and hence show Gods mercy. In a verse like
Dt32:36 it denotes God creating a new punishment (to get people to
repent-so there is an aspect of mercy).

This formulation (NEW vs STRUCTURE corresponds somewhat to Yitzchaks'
own formulation (PERSONAL vs god Belonging to a nation).

Russell Jay Hendel; PHd ASA RHendel@mcs.drexel.edu
Moderator Rashi Is Simple; http://www.shamash.org/rashi/