GIMMEL
The Hebrew letter Gimmel connects
the path from Gevurah to Binah. The letter Gimmel stands for Gamal, a camel.
This in turn evokes the image of crossing a desert. When the camel is out
in the desert, it lives off of its own internal water and fat. In the Talmud
and the Zohar, we read that the burning of our own fat that occurs when
we fast takes the place of the fat that was burnt on the altar when the
Temple stood. Thus, we have the image of a sacrifice that must be made in
order to ascend from Gevurah to Binah. This is also suggested by the gematria
of Gimmel when spelled out in full. Gimmel (gimmel-mem-lamed) has a numerical
value of 73 which is the same as Uzchachim (and sacrifices). What kind of
sacrifice must be made? In the Talmud we also read that the letter Gimmel
looks as though it is running toward the letter Dalet. Dalet stands for
the poor (dal), and Gimmel tells us to give (gomeil). Gimmel also stands
for Gemilut Chassadim, acts of loving kindness. Putting it all together,
we see that Gevurah represents strength and discipline and power, but to
go further we have to sacrifice and let go of this power. We must share
our wealth with those less fortunate. We must not be so caught up in our
own strength that we forget to be kind to others. And from time to time,
we must enter the deserts of life and live through what is within us rather
than what is without us. In this way, we prune (gizeim) those things which
are a hinderance in our lives and we become complete (gamar).
Exercise:
We cross the desert from Gevurah to Binah by
setting aside our own personal desires for power and prestige. Thus, counter
the daily struggle for control by performing frequent random acts of loving
kindness. Such an act can be a simple smile, a charitable contribution,
a helping hand, or the simple recognition of someone else's humanity. Whatever
it is, find at least one kindness to do every single day.