Harsh Judgement and Mercy

Rav Kook made an important observation from the wording of the beginning of the Torah. The first verse of the Torah says that, “in the beginning, G-d created Heaven and Earth.

The name used to describe Hashem was “Elokim.” Shortly after, in the second chapter, there is a reference to the day when Heaven and Earth were created by “Hashem Elokim.”

The name, “Hashem,” refers to the four letter name of G-d that is pronounced, “A-do-nai.” These two names of the Creator are used often throughout the Torah. The name “Elokim,” refers to “Din,” or harsh judgement, while the other name refers to the “G-d of mercy.”

Rav Kook was pointing out that the original plan was for the world to be judged on the basis of “Din.” Hashem quickly realized that the world would not survive based on Din, and it needed to be judged on mercy, known as “Rachamim.”

This was a realization of the weakness of man, and his tendency towards sin. He needed to be given another chance to make things right, after giving in to temptation.

This is an extremely important message for all of us in how we interact with others. If we are judgmental and unable to give the benefit of the doubt, we must be aware that Hashem will treat us with harsh judgement. Nobody can survive Hashem’s Din. Therefore, we must learn to treat others with kindness and mercy, so that Hashem will treat us in that way. Asking for Hashem’s judgement, is almost like a death wish.

The world could not stand on Din, and neither can we. This was the basic teaching of Rav Kook in terms of how we are to appreciate Hashem’s loving kindness in dealing with mortal man.