In His Mercy: Understanding the Thirteen Midot

by Ezra Bick, David Silverberg (Translator)

Our recitation of the Thirteen Middot HaRahamim (God's Attributes of Mercy) is the focal point of Selihot and the highlight of Ne'ila on Yom Kippur. How are we to understand this recitation? How did Hazal understand the Thirteen Middot? This collection of essays by Rabbi Ezra
Bick of Yeshivat Har Etzion provides a fascinating analysis of the Thirteen
Middot and shows how their recitation relates to the very essence of our relationship with God. Published in cooperation with Yeshivat Har Etzion.

Genres: Jewish

131 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 2011

Reviews

[Seth Isenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting in-depth look at an important verse many Jews repeat over and over again from before the high holiday period through the end of Yom Kippur. Much of the analysis was fascinating, and definitely worth reading. A few of the points seemed too esoteric or mystical to a more rationalist reader like myself, but that does not take away from the validity of Rav Bick's take. I would have loved to have included a sort of half-page "cheat sheet" that I could have on hand during Yom Kippur to mentally review the meaning of each of the thirteen midot.

[Julie Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very meaningful look at the 13 attributes of mercy that are said on the high holidays. It will certainly make my prayers more meaningful! I highly recommend to those who want to find meaning in their prayers, and connect to G-d in a more significant way.