The Letter Gimel: Height and Cover, Spreading Above

The letter Gimel represents the power of perfect giving. Gimel, derived from the word *gomel*, means bestowing kindness. As explained in the Talmud: "Gimel Dalet – reward the poor." The word *gomel* signifies: providing and nourishing until full maturity. As it is said in the Torah about Aaron's rod: "It produced almonds," meaning the rod sprouted almonds and nourished them until they were fully ripe. Similarly, with Isaac our forefather: "The child grew and was weaned," receiving until no more nursing was needed.

A deep insight into the essence of the letters – in general, and the Gimel letter in particular, in the spiritual dimension of man, is found in the teachings of the great student of the holy Ari, Rabbi Chaim Vital:

"Regarding the wisdom of knowing the face. Know that in man are engraved the 22 letters of the Aleph Bet, as mentioned in the Book of Creation: the matter of the three fundamentals [of the letters] Aleph-Mem-Shin, and the seven double [letters] Bet-Gimel-Dalet-Kaf-Pe-Resh-Tav, which are found in known places [certain places] right ear, etc. And the twelve simple [letters] in the spleen and the gizzard, etc.

Similarly, corresponding to them, there are 22 letters also in the human soul, and likewise, 22 other letters in the spirit, and 22 letters in the soul.

And the difference between them is that the 22 letters of the soul are small, the 22 letters of the spirit are medium, and the 22 letters of the soul are large. And these are the matter of the three Aleph Beit in the Torah. Small letters, medium letters, large letters.

At another time, he [the holy Ari] told me that someone with crowns on their letters is from the world of emanation...

Another time he saw on my forehead three letters in this order: Aleph Bet Gimel. He told me it's an indication I need to show kindness to my father. Therefore, the Gimel turned its face towards the two letters Aleph Bet."

The letter Gimel, expressing height and greatness, first appears in the scripture at the beginning of a word in the verse: "And God made two great lights."

Its Shape

The shape of the letter Gimel resembles a person with a head, body, and two legs, stepping forward to give to the needy, hinted at by the letter Dalet that follows it (as explained below). With the letter Bet preceding it, which opens toward the Gimel, it portrays someone leaving his home to run toward the needy, standing wobbling on one leg, facing another direction out of shame. This shape of Gimel contains a message for a person blessed by Hashem with wealth, wisdom, or any other gift, not to sit at home waiting for those in need to come; rather, the will of His Creator, who gave him all his possessions, is for the rich to go out and give to the needy. Likewise, for any blessing – to proactively give to those in need, from what Hashem bestowed upon him.

The shape of the letter Gimel as an upright and tall person suggests the high and established status of the wealthy in money or any other matter. Primarily, it signifies the spiritual height of the hero who conquers the greed for money and possessions in every area, showing kindness to the poor. Thus, the one who gives and shares with others is truly deserving of the title great, and he is the genuine giant.

The act of kindness by the one who performs *chesed* is reflected in the word *chesed* itself: being gracious to the poor.

The one who performs kindness with his friend covers him at that time and protects him. Therefore, the tall letter Gimel also expresses the spreading of protection, appearing at the beginning of words that signify height and covering from above, such as hill, scar, camel, wave, bridge, courage, hump, body (which is a cover and enclosure of the spirit). When the letter Gimel appears twice together, it forms the word for covering from above: roof. The duplication of a letter signifies a dual action of the meaning and illumination of the letter.

On a deeper level, the letter Gimel hints at the great *gomel*, the Creator, blessed be He, who bestows life and blessings at every moment, even when man sins against Him. As it is written: "Hashem's kindness fills the earth." In the Midrash "Letters of Rabbi Akiva," the Gimel is explained by its initials besides its inherent meaning. His words: "What is Gimel? Teaches that the Holy One, blessed be He, said: I have given myself grace for the poor. Without my acts of kindness, the world would not endure even one moment."

Not only does the power of the Gimel to hint at Hashem - the great *gomel*, but also the height and greatness inherent in the secret of the Gimel, suggest the exaltedness of Hashem. As Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira wrote, this is hinted in the verse: "Hashem reigns, clothed with majesty." Initial letters spell Gimel according to their truth; only He is truly exalted. Anyone else lifting themselves above others is merely pretending.

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