Expert: Gaddy Yaari - 5/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: Gaddy,

  In a response to a recent question about “grace,” you say “As you may know, the Christian understanding of what is meant by 'God's Grace' is very different from the Jewish meaning…” I am interested in the Jewish meaning and not the “Christianized” meaning of the Hebrew. It seems to me that “chen” and “chessed,” as used in the Torah are words closely associated with reciprocal relationships. It does not seem to me that either of these words conveys the idea of “unmerited favor.” Bruce Malina says “If ‘to give freely’ means to want nothing in return, then the God of Israel does not do this…” (Handbook of Biblical Social Values). Your thoughts?

Allen


ANSWER: Allen,

My understanding of Chen and Chessed is similar to yours and to Malina's. The concept of "unmerited favor" is part of something that many scholars claim that Judaism doesn't have - theology. Unlike Christianity, Judaism is not a 'mystery' religion and thus does not require theology. Instead, it is based on mass-witnessed revelation (Mt. Sinai), observation and observance.

Gaddy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Gaddy,

Thank you for the answer! I have a related question. "chen" (חן) seems to have the idea of "acceptance”. It appears to be the outcome of a client – patron relationship. The “client” has a need that he cannot meet out of his own resources. The “patron” has the resources to meet that need and is willing to do so in return for loyalty, faithfulness, etc.  Noah and God, Jacob and Esau, David and Jonathan are just a few examples of this relationship. There is another Hebrew word “chanan” (חנן) which seems to be very closely related. Can you tell me (1) am I correct with my understanding of chen and (2) what are the differences between “chen” and “chanan?”

Allen

Answer
Allen,

Both Chen and Chanan share the same root, chet nun nun. I disagree with you about the attributes you assign to chen, and I believe that they are more properly aligned with Chanan.

Chen, as I understand it, is Grace WITHOUT any implied relationship.

Gaddy