During one of the numerous appeals made by Moshe Rabbeinu on behalf of the Bnay Yisroel, Hashem revealed to him the Shlosh Esray Midos, the thirteen attributes of His name. These are repeated often during the recitation of the Selichos prayers, during the recitation of Tachnun, as well as on other occasions. The Gemora teaches, that Hashem assured Moshe, whenever the Bnay Yisroel will need a special favor from Hashem, they should recite these thirteen attributes, and they will be answered. What lies behind these attributes, and why should Hashem reply to them when invoked?
People who attend a college or university and successfully complete their course of study, are awarded with a diploma, stating that they achieved a certain plataue. This is usually demonsrated by letters, designating what it is that they accomplished. B.A., M.A., PhD., M.B.A. etc. Usually, the person who was awarded a second or third diploma, will not list the lower ones, because it is understood, that one cannot receive a PhD. without having first acquired a B.A. and an M.A. By listing the honorary letters following his names, this person is informing all, that he may practice in his field of expertise and his work will be acceptable.
When Hashem informed Moshe the thirteen attributes which describe Hashem, He was telling Moshe that this is what Hashem is able to do.
He is compassionate, understanding, willing to help, long suffering with sinners, truthful etc. Hashem is telling us, that He is not only prepared to share those attributes with all His creations, but that He wants nothing more than to have that opportunity. Hashem is waiting anxiously for people to recite these thirteen attributes so that He can them shower His people with all the goodness included in them. As we recite these Shelosh Essray Midos, we are articulating what Hashem wants to hear, so that He can respond to them. Realizing what this recitation can invoke, will inspire us to recite them carefully, obliterating from our minds, at least for these few moments, all extraneous thoughts, hoping that Hashem will accept our pleas for forgiveness as well as His abundant Berachos, which He wants to share with us. May we merit to deserve what Hashem is willing to give us.
