The Letter Tav: Reaching the Ultimate Goal

The letter Tav represents the ultimate purpose. This is why the word "purpose" begins and ends with Tav, symbolizing "the end of a deed is in its initial thought." To reach an end, one must first think about it. The first Tav represents the initial thought of the end, and the last Tav signifies the end of the action. Between them lies the word "key" implying the activeexecution through means and methods until achieving the initially set goal.

Tam - end, reaching the purpose

Tamim – complete

Teshuvah - Tav-shuvah. It starts from the end point, reflecting on a mistake made, and returns to the start. For extracting the thought is like extracting the action.

Met – becomes complete on the 40th day of pregnancy, and now finished, Tav.

According to Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the final letter Tav, representing the end, corresponds to the sefirah of Gevurah, which is the attribute of judgment.

The letter Tav comprises the letter Resh and an inverted Vav. A major rule regarding Torah letters is that whenever there is an inverted letter, it is a sign of harsh judgment. While Hashem's wish is to bestow kindness, which descends upon the world through the shining letters acting as conduits, here the letters invert, with their lower openings not facing downward as usual. The halting of abundance is the action of judgment. Similarly, in the letter Tav. The letter Vav, normally a symbol of kindness meant to connect, is reversed, becoming judgment.

From another perspective, the inverted Vav in Tav, stands at the end of the alphabet as a stable peg, halting the spread of active letters like waves. This too is the role of judgment, to stop and block the rampant abundance.

Since the letter Tav corresponds to judgment, sometimes a person's name might need the Tav replaced due to potential blockage from judgment, with the letter Heh, symbolizing mercy as its Vav stands upright. As written in Sefer HaTemunah, when judgment prevailed, it was said: "And put incense" to nullify the plague. When mercy prevailed, it was said: "Put incense in Your anger," because it [the incense] is the known cure for Moses, transforming anger into blessing. And immediately afterward, "bless His army."

One of the doubles – Dagesh Tav and Soft Tav

Sefer Yetzirah explains that Tav is one of seven double letters – BGD FKRT. Each embodies two letters; a soft letter and a dagesh (hardened) letter, two opposites: "Template of soft and hard, template of strong and weak, doubles which are transformations [opposites]." Regarding Tav, it states: "Transformation of government, servitude." That is, on the side of the dagesh letter, Tav holds governance and spiritual royalty rewarded to those who live as required, achieving the rightful purpose (Tav). The soft side reveals servitude and suffering awaiting at the end (Tav) for someone following evil inclinations.

Here is Sefer Yetzirah's teaching about Tav: "He crowned the letter Tav, and attached a crown to it. He formed the Moon in the universe, Shabbat in the year, and mouth in the soul." Rabbi Avraham ben David commented in his Sefer Yetzirah interpretation, that in this letter lies the inclination for movement and restlessness, leading to the pursuit of wisdom and life's meaning. Since this is the letter of life and death, it indicates health or sickness, life or death. Its impacts swing widely. "To it belongs rain from His grace in the heavens, also greenery and orchards - for it is paradise itself. To it belongs power - for it is a kingdom. To it belongs war and peace, quarrel by fire, joy, and honor." So concludes the essence.

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It is found that the letter Tav is the root of humanity's aspiration to achieve purpose. Both a practical and material purpose in this world, not to toil in vain, and a spiritual purpose – the pursuit of life's meaning.

On one hand, Tav is judgment and valor blocking various life paths, yet it is also the letter of life and health, power and peace, joy and honor. Great power lies within, like a strong engine. It depends on the person whether it is activated positively – which is the path of Torah, of which Tav is the letter. In doing so, one senses joy, satisfaction, calm, and peace by following the Creator’s guidance and true knowledge of fulfilling life’s purpose - since Tav is also truth and life. Or activated negatively – the path of challenges and conflicts emerging from a soul's inner storm seeking life’s meaning, which can lead to diseases and suffering, since Tav is also death.

The letter Tav in a person's name

When the letter Tav is in a person’s name, especially at the beginning, it brings through its three spiritual channels (its shape, numerical value, and pronunciation); a constant search for results and purpose in everything. Therefore, it is common to feel restless and swings in mood, sometimes unaware it stems from the soul's quest for meaning and purpose in life. This person seeks wisdom, loves exploring high topics, and can misinterpret his turbulent mood due to missing worldly matters, believing he needs material purpose, while truly needing spiritual fulfillment and understanding that life’s purpose aligns with the Creator's directions. He must remember that Tav created the Moon, as explained in Sefer Yetzirah, and so the Moon is subject to phases: waxing and waning, dependent on the Sun’s light. However, while the Moon was created without choice, waiting for mid-month to fully appear, he, as humanity’s crown, created in Hashem’s image with choice, can constantly illuminate his life by directing himself towards the light of Torah. His soul will find peace, joy, and calm, longed by him. He will feel steady and self-mastered, gaining great admiration as if a merciful ruler. Such life will fulfill him, knowing he achieved life's purpose. This is the essence of Tav’s purpose, creating the day of rest, Shabbat, as explained in Sefer Yetzirah.

If unfortunately not, and he follows his desires, he might not reach rest, possibly getting blocked and stuck (Tav) wherever he is, losing self-confidence. As Tav is the last letter, forming with Resh and an inverted Vav on the left side - expressing judgment and valor, which in its harshness stirs a burning soul leading to anger, continuous self-disrespect, subjugation to others, troubles, and various illnesses.

Therefore, he should daily engage in the Torah of Hashem, studying under a God-fearing scholar, carefully observing mitzvot. Learning ethics, he should review how to improve traits and behavior, and his inner reactions to life situations. Though it requires effort and toil, he should always remember that through this, he will achieve true inner joy and enlightenment. As mentioned: "The commands of Hashem are upright, bringing joy to the heart. The command of Hashem is pure, enlightening the eyes!" Learning brings heart happiness. Overcoming desires obstructing mitzvot observance enlightens a person for good in this world and the next.

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