גדליהו

Gedaliah is an ancient and impressive Hebrew name composed of two parts: 'gadal' meaning great or made great, and 'yahu' which is the shortened form of God's name. The full meaning of the name is 'God has made great' or 'great is God,' expressing deep recognition of the Creator's greatness and kindness. The name appears in the Bible in several places and is borne by significant figures, primarily Gedaliah son of Ahikam who was appointed governor over Judah after the destruction of the First Temple. This figure symbolizes responsible leadership, righteousness, and loyalty to Jewish heritage even in the most difficult times. The name Gedaliah carries both historical and tragic significance. Gedaliah son of Ahikam served as governor of Judah under Babylonian rule after the exile of Jehoiachin, and he attempted to rehabilitate the Jewish community that remained in the land. Despite his efforts to bring stability and hope to the people, he was assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah in a political conspiracy, an event that led to the establishment of the Fast of Gedaliah on the third of Tishrei. This fast, one of the four fasts established to commemorate the destruction of the Temple and the exile, perpetuates the memory of a wise and righteous leader whose life was cut short prematurely. The name Gedaliah reminds us of the importance of responsible leadership and the heavy price that faithful leaders sometimes pay. In Jewish culture, the name Gedaliah is considered an honorable and traditional name that testifies to a rich heritage and deep connection to the historical past of the Jewish people. It is particularly popular among religious and traditional families who wish to perpetuate the memory of righteous individuals and leaders from the Bible. The name expresses hope for spiritual greatness, strong faith, and moral leadership. Although the name is not common today among the general public, it remains a preferred choice for families seeking a name with deep biblical significance and a strong ethical message. Gedaliah is a name that reminds us that true greatness comes from recognizing God's greatness and from faithful service to the people and heritage.

גְּדַלְיָהוּ

Gedaliah | Gedalia | Gedalyahu

Boy

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Jeremiah 41:11 - But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done

In Kabbalah, the name Gedaliah represents the principle of expansion and spiritual growth. The name expresses the divine power that enlarges and elevates the human soul, symbolizing the journey from smallness to greatness, from materiality to spirituality. The combination of 'gadal' with God's name testifies to a direct connection between personal growth and recognition of divinity.

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Gedaliah Alon - Israeli historian and educator | Gedaliah Flatto - writer and publicist | Rabbi Gedaliah Axelrod - rabbi and educator

גדליה | גדעון | גדי | עובדיה | צפניה

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