Exploring the Deeper Meaning of the Letter 'Nun' in Jewish Tradition

In the Talmudic writings of Shabbat, the letter *Nun* is associated with the concept of trustworthiness, reflecting a person's commitment and reliability in their chosen path. This implies that *Nun* embodies persistence and continuity.

Furthermore, the very name of the letter *Nun* suggests continuity, as seen in the word 'great-grandson,' representing not just direct descendants but the offspring of future generations. The singular appearance of the root "nun" in the Bible is found in the verse "His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun" (Psalms 72:17). This is interpreted by the Radak as a testament to enduring remembrance. Fish are called "nun" due to their endless reproduction and boundedless existence.

The first occurrence of the letter in the Written Torah is in "soul" (*nephesh*). The soul is the eternal, continuous aspect of a person. While the body eventually perishes, the soul remains, embodying loyalty. Whereas the body gravitates towards material desires, it is the soul's nature to adhere to one's values, thereby representing will—"If it is your soul's desire." Willpower can defy nature: a person determined to reach a mountain's summit will withstand the cold, gravity, wild beasts—committing steadfastly to their decision or will to ascend.

As a grammatical tool, *Nun* assigns verbs to the *Nif'al* form, used to indicate a passive action. It conveys submission to another's will, much like entrapment, breaking, or entering when someone else's actions cause an event to occur.

When appearing as a suffix, *Nun* describes a permanent characteristic: a single act of theft typifies a thief only when repeated regularly. Observing a donkey perpetually lying under its load illustrates this principle—as it lies constantly, its owner should not expect assistance from others.

*Nun* numerically represents fifty, denoting five times ten. The number five relates to the power of birth, while *Nun* reflects perpetuation and the birth of descendants, extending to great-grandchildren. Here, "grandson" is synonymous with "great-grandchild," symbolizing ongoing lineage. An individual's soul continues through their progeny, as "son" embodies the father's soul, and "grandchild" begins with *Nun*.

As a suffix, *Nun* signals the feminine plural form, such as in *achalten*, *shatiten*, *ra'iten*. The letter *He* often denotes the feminine singular, like the transformation from "man" to "woman," "child" to "daughter," "did" to "did (fem.)", as the letter *He* symbolizes procreation, and *Nun* signifies steadfastness and the birth of descendants in general. Thus, it serves in the feminine plural sense about women collectively. Similarly, the use of the *Nif'al* form associates with the passive, often aligning with the feminine principle.

The journey of *Nun* follows previous letters: *Kaf* represents power, *Lamed* signifies direction and learning, *Mem* denotes essence and origin. Recognizing these, one’s soul commits and remains loyal to their duty.

The word "I" (*Ani*) incorporates *Aleph* and *Nun*. *Aleph* signifies the beginning, and *Nun* embodies the soul and life's continuation. Loyalty thrives on desire, hence "please" and "urgency" appeal to a person’s desire. Conversely, "to deter" means to prevent desire. "In his hand" indicates occurrence without intention, while coercion implies acting against one's will.

Meat not fully roasted is termed *na*, reflecting its raw state as long as the "living soul" inhabits within, for "the blood is the soul," and the soul is the *Ani*. The term "ship" (*Aniyah*) fascinates for it does not follow land-based paths but forges new ones through freedom of choice, akin to Proverbs: "Three things are beyond me, the way of a ship in the sea." This parallels the human soul's unique free will, untouched by external stimuli.

The root "nad" features *Nun* to indicate awarage—a removal from one’s connected place (*Nun*), moving to another (Daleth). Derived words include *niddah*, *nidach*, *nidaf*, *noded*, and *nodnad*, repeated actions symbolic of perpetual motion.

The root "nesh" utilizes *Nun* similarly, as in *nashar*, *nashal*, *nashah*, *nasheh*, *nashab*, and *nesheph*.

The root "nes" denotes separation (*Nun*) from a system (Samech) through movement to another place, expressed in terms such as *nesa*, *nesak*, *nesach*, *nesag*, *nas*, and *nessa*, connoting uplift from and detachment from earth.

*Nun*, expressing detachment, pairs with the letter *Zayin*, connoting severance by force, as in *zanach* and *zavach*, illustrating disconnection and abandonment.