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How can saying the Thirteen Attributes bring forgiveness without fundamental change? The shiur reveals that the Yud-Gimmel Middos aren't magic words but an awakening to the indestructible unity between Hashem (ה׳) and Klal Yisrael. Built on hundreds of years of shared destiny through the Avos, this is a relationship that transcends reasons—one that obligates both parties to work through problems because separation is impossible.
The shiur addresses a fundamental contradiction in Parshas Ki Sisa: after the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe is taught the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, and the Gemara (גמרא) establishes that whenever Klal Yisrael recites them, they are never left unanswered. This seems to contradict everything we understand about teshuva (תשובה) and forgiveness, which require fundamental character change and rebirth, not magical formulas. Furthermore, the Gemara describes Hashem (ה׳) wrapping Himself in a tallis like a shaliach tzibbur to teach Moshe the formula—why would the greatest prophet need such a theatrical demonstration? And Rashi (רש"י) explains that according to the simple reading, "nakeh lo yenakeh" means Hashem does not forgive but punishes in installments, apparently contradicting the entire purpose of the Thirteen Attributes. The shiur develops an understanding through a fundamental analysis of a Mishna in Pirkei Avos about two types of love. The Mishna states that "love dependent on a thing" (ahavah tluya b'davar) ceases when that thing ceases, while "love not dependent on a thing" (ahavah she'eina tluya b'davar) never ceases. Rashi explains this means love based on external factors versus love based on the relationship itself. However, a more literal reading reveals a deeper truth: every relationship begins for reasons, but in a genuine, enduring relationship, the shared experiences create such unity that the relationship transcends its original reasons. After years together—whether in marriage or as chavrusos learning together—the merged identity becomes the reality. The relationship no longer depends on reasons; it simply is.
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Parshas Ki Sisa - Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
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