The Letter Samech: Inner Reflection from Intense Soul-Searching

Continuing with the explanation of the order of the letters from Aleph to Yud, as mentioned above with the letter Yud, let us now delve further from the letter Yud to the letter Nun:

One who stands properly on the path of this world’s trials, as hinted at in the order of the first nine letters, merits the life of the World to Come, hinted at by the letter Yud. When the scales (Kaf) of justice weigh in his favor, his body will be rebuilt from a small bone until it regains its original form (Kaf), and he will rise to life, gaining immense spiritual and material abundance through the secret of the letter Kuf, to reign (Lamed), and achieve great wisdom (Lamed), to see afar and predict the future (Lamed) while being immersed in the light that Hashem hid for the righteous. From here, he ascends and moves (Mem) to a higher spiritual level, focused on annulment (Nun) and eternal integration (Nun) of the soul (Nun) with the infinite light. It is this encompassing light (Samech) that shields (Samech) with love, as a child upon his mother’s arm.

The Significance of the First Six Letters in the Tens Series

Beyond the continuous meaning of the letters mentioned above, which is the basic and straightforward one among many, suggesting that starting from the letter Yud that opens the tens series, the message in these letters refers to the reward in the World to Come. The letters in the tens series also carry an independent meaning, serving as guidance for a person in this world, a continuation of the guidance provided by the letters until Yud. However, while the initial letters in the single-digits series dealt with the general service to Hashem, the tens letters are dedicated to the study of Torah and the achievements of one who diligently engages in it as he should:

Through a spiritual person (Yud) laboring and using his creative intellect to develop, innovate, and form (Kaf) the Torah words he studies (Lamed), he unlocks its secrets (Mem), it infuses him with vitality and freshness like water (Mem), and he rises in character, becoming humble (Nun) and faithful (Nun), protected and safeguarded (Samech) from all distress and harm.

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It turns out that the letter Samech represents the spiritual root of supporting the fallen and encircling protection as if by a wall. Meaning, when a person is attacked by physical or spiritual enemies, a higher power intervenes to protect him, to support him so he will not fall, and to save him. This is performed through the letter Samech, to support and encircle him with protection.

On the other hand, the letter Samech expresses pressure, confinement, and sadness that come from the side of impurity towards those who fall into its net.

Thus, the letter Samech follows the letter Nun. For Samech can support someone fallen in distress, save and cheer him, or it can close in and sadden someone fallen in sin. 

Supporting the Fallen

To the fleshly eye in this world, the fall is visible first, followed by the support that comes in its wake. But truly, Hashem anticipates the remedy before the blow, preparing the support secretly before the fall occurs, like a loving father disciplining his child for the child's benefit, yet providing a solution quietly even before the difficulty arrives. Just as in the time of Mordechai and Esther, before Haman decreed to destroy, kill, and annihilate all Jews – a decree meant to return Israel to their Father in Heaven, Hashem exalted Esther to become the queen of the Persian empire to annul Haman's decree.

Therefore, in the sequence of letters in this world, the letter Nun (falling) precedes the letter Samech (supporting), because we first see the fall. However, in the TaShRaK order, which is the reverse order of the letters and the order governing them in the world of truth, the letter Samech precedes the letter Nun, for in the concealed governance from above, Hashem anticipates the remedy before the flaw. Thus, in the alphabetical order of the acrostic "Ashrei" in Tehillim, the letter Nun is missing after the letter Mem, appearing only after the letter Samech in the verse: "Samech Hashem supports all the Noflim (fallen)."

The Letter Samech in a Person’s Name

Therefore, when the letter Samech appears in a person's name, especially if it is at the beginning of the name, he receives through it a tendency towards introversion and internal seclusion with many implications.

On one hand, he is capable of deep introspection within himself through intense soul-searching, diving into words of wisdom and ethical work, and conducting profound research in Torah. If he chooses to live according to this path, he becomes corrected in his soul and is specially guarded and protected by Hashem through the letter Samech, which acts within him as a safeguard and shield against all distress and damage, making him cheerful and good-hearted always.

However, if he does not correct and direct himself towards the right paths, he struggles to accept criticism from others, believing most times that he is right. (Therefore, his close ones and acquaintances should know how to speak to him kindly and respectfully until they succeed in entering his heart and convincing him of what should be done). On one hand, he is courageous; on the other, stubborn. He is kind-hearted, very willing to assist others and enjoys helping them, but the moment he receives criticism, he might turn away and distance himself. He does not like when others attempt to break through his inner shell without his permission. Yet, when convinced that the counselors are correct, he accepts their words without further objection and acts vigorously to implement the truth and what is appropriate. It is easier for him to express his thoughts than to listen to others’ opinions and thoughts. However, his closeness might make him somewhat insensitive and lacking tact, causing surprise and discomfort among those around him, still, he does not feel this. He struggles to express his emotions despite his deep loyalty and great devotion to his family. This difficulty might manifest both in expressing closeness and in voicing his troubles and disturbances. Consequently, he might experience sudden outbursts of accumulated anger, erupting like a volcano. Yet, his honesty sometimes compels him to say what is not customary to say, despite the embarrassment his words may cause. He only feels bitterness and sadness and does not know what to do. Seeking an escape, he might fall repeatedly, especially concerning maintaining the covenant.

Therefore, wise is he who keeps his eyes on his head and chooses to use the power of closure and guardianship to shield and protect his eyes from seeing indecent sights and sully his soul; his mouth from speaking forbidden words like gossip and slander, and vulgar speech; and from eating forbidden foods that defile his soul. For against his significant challenges, he has received powerful forces enabling him to withstand all tests and elevate through them. As mentioned, he must particularly guard against sadness and falling into the desire's trap, especially regarding maintaining the sanctity of the covenant.

And if he only chooses to follow this good and righteous path, he will merit, according to the measure-for-measure conduct, special guarding from all trouble and protection from all enemies. He guards himself from falling into the desire’s trap, and Hashem guards him from all distress, trouble, and harm. Such a person also earns the title of righteous, in the secret hinted at by the order of letters: Samech, Ayin, Peh, Tzadi. If he guards and closes (Samech) his eyes (Ayin) and mouth (Peh), he is righteous (Tzadi).

Indeed, to succeed in this, he should take for himself the best remedy for any spiritual matter, daily commitment to Torah learning in a class, from a truly God-fearing Torah scholar. And he shall fulfill the Sages’ saying: "Make for yourself a teacher," with whom he will consult on every significant matter. Thus, he shall always be joyful as he walks the path of truth.

For by the power of choice granted to a person, he has in his hand to use the letter’s illumination for good or bad. As extensively discussed in the chapter dealing with the person’s name. 

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