What the Letter 'Gimmel' Teaches Us in Jewish Wisdom

The meaning of the letter Gimmel is giving, as in acts of loving-kindness, like our sages said regarding the proximity of the letters Gimmel and Dalet: "Gimmel Dalet – aid the poor."

The first word in the Torah that begins with Gimmel is "HaGedolim," meaning "the great," referring to the great celestial lights. Their function is to bring light. The bigger they are, the more they illuminate. The sun is the great light, giving substantial light and warmth, whereas the moon is the lesser light, giving less.

A nursing infant is called "Gamool" in Psalms (131), similar to "a weaned child with its mother," because while the baby is in the nursing stage, its existence relies solely on the mother's giving, having no other sustenance.

On the other hand, ending that giving is also called "weaning" as stated in "the child grew and was weaned" (Genesis 21:8). When one stops receiving, they begin to give, learning to extend kindness to others. The highest level of the mitzvah of charity is to give someone aid that allows them to become economically independent, to transform them from a recipient into a giver. This is true *g'milut chasadim*, acts of loving-kindness.

This idea also explains the root G-M-L. The pairing M-L means fulfillment, as well as cutting, similar to the word for circumcision. Thus the structure of Gimmel is G’ for giving, and M-L for complete giving, fulfilling all needs until no more aid is needed, thereby achieving perfect giving.

The sun is the ultimate example of perfect giving, floating above the earth solely for one purpose: to provide light and warmth and sustain life, not ceasing day and night. It's a gift from the Creator, an act of grace to the world.

The definition of "great" also relates to weaning: "the child grew and was weaned." Greatness is defined by self-sufficiency; having received enough to detach, and be capable of giving. Hence, the sun is the great light, as it’s filled with the power to give.

The numerical value of Gimmel also ties into this concept. The number three represents growth and multiplicity. A mere two do not form a group, but three do, signifying increase and group formation.

Additionally, three is the first number that doesn't pair, leaving an element alone that derives meaning from the whole group.

The form of the letter Gimmel expresses growth upwards. Composed like a tower supported by a leg, this support symbolizes the building’s sustenance, allowing its growth. The letter Bet is a building, while Gimmel represents its growth, its multiplication.

Accordingly, the word "gag," meaning the highest part of a house, is apt, since the higher something is – the greater it is perceived. The root "gah," conveys pride or the rising tides of the sea.

Words like "g'ma" and "goma" mean the absorption of liquids. The "goma" is a plant growing on riverbanks, thriving from abundant water, yet again showing G’ as indicative of absorption and reception. The combination "gam" signifies multiplicity and growth, while "g'mar" denotes completion of growth.

The camel is named for its ability to sustain long periods without drinking, filling itself until it no longer needs water— it is "weaned."

The word "g'mul" means "reward" but in a deeper sense: a consequence driven by one's actions, as in "your retribution will return upon your head" (Obadiah 1:14), meaning one’s own efforts and strengths come back to them, for better or worse. Consequently, the root "G-M-L," meaning giving and granting, as the giving and the reward are one.

The pairing "gav" signifies something built (Bet) to a height (Gimmel). Examples include hill (giva) or the eyes’ arch (brow), named for their hill-like form, adding "gibah" for its high, curved forehead. This pair sometimes describes a void needing filling, like "gev," a pit filled by rain, or "g'vi'ah."

Thus, all the concepts and words associated with the letter G' and its combinations align with its meaning in Torah teachings.