The Letter Yud – Achieving Eternal Life

The one Creator (letter Aleph) created a creation (Beit) composed of parts (Beit) that form two opposites (Beit); imparting abundance, in the aspect of benefactor (Gimmel), and receiving, in the aspect of a pauper (Dalet).

This activity (of division, giving from above, and receiving below) led to the creation and appearance of the universe (Heh) in the aspect of a 'birth' (Heh) from the spiritual world above it. This process occurred over six days (Vav), during which the physical world was created, limited by six dimensions (Vav), and containing a spiritual connection force that mercifully unites its parts (Vav).

Besides the connecting force in the material, an active inner spirituality was created, causing movement (Zayin). It is the secret of the movement of electrons in the inanimate, the growth power in plants, life and movement in animals, speech in human beings, initiative (Zayin), mobility (Zayin), and struggle (Zayin) in the world.

In humans, a living soul (Chet) was added, granting the ability to choose (Chet) between good and bad actions, between truth and falsehood, determining by its choice how the body moves and acts. It also bestows grace (Chet) and expression upon the face of a living person.

According to the choice made (Chet) by a person, goodness (Tet) returns to him for good deeds, and bad for bad deeds. However, even this bad serves his benefit (Tet), to cleanse and refine him from the stain of his wrongdoing. For nothing or action is lost. Everything is eternal (Tet). But if a person repents, by the grace and goodness of Hashem (Tet), the bad deed is erased, even though this erasure contradicts the nature of creation.

At the end of this journey, a person achieves eternal life (Yud) and receives the reward for his good deeds.

The Letter Yud in a Person's Name

Therefore, when the letter Yud appears in a person's name, especially if at the beginning, he receives through it a high spiritual capacity and a unique gentleness of soul that is also reflected in his facial appearance. However, due to his high spiritual vessel, such a person may seem 'heavy' in his actions and appear lazy concerning material matters, even significant ones, including those deemed essential. He is filled with high aspirations that are sometimes impractical for him, as he does not belong to such high levels. Yet, he is humble, modest, clean, and acknowledges the truth. From his high aspirations for perfection, he may become very critical towards others without realizing that this makes it difficult for them to function and perform what is important and good for him.

Therefore, he must channel his high spiritual abilities and aspiration for perfection into inner work on personality and refining character, and acquiring a broad knowledge of Torah in all its parts. Initially, he should study the simplicity of the Torah, learning Tanach, Mishnah, Talmud, and Halacha. Once his belly is full with Shas and poskim, he should delve into the inner layers of the Torah. He should always understand his level, not trying to jump to levels he does not belong to, both spiritually and materially. As the sages say: "Who is wise? He who recognizes his place." He should minimize criticism of others, judge others favorably, and change his negative and critical outlook on them to a supportive and loving view. He should compliment those around him and praise them for every effort and endeavor, seeing the good and positive in them. Simultaneously, he should continuously refine his character traits through learning ethics and improving character and aspire to reach perfection in observing all the commandments of the Torah, even those rare mitzvahs. Only then will he be filled with joy of life and happiness, be calm and content, and full of meaning and satisfaction.

For every spiritual root has the potential to generate positive actions as well as negative ones. Through the power of choice given to a person, he can use the illumination of the letter for good or for bad, as explained in detail in the chapter on a person's name.

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