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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/