גרשם

Gershom is an ancient and biblical Hebrew name with deep and emotional significance. The name first appears in the Torah as the name of Moses' firstborn son with his wife Zipporah, who was born in Midian during Moses' exile from Egypt. Moses named his son this as a memorial to his status as a stranger in a foreign land, as it is written: "for I have been a stranger in a strange land." The name Gershom is composed of two parts: "ger" meaning stranger or exile, and "sham" meaning there or place, with its literal meaning being "a stranger there" or "exiled there." The name expresses Moses' feeling of alienation and estrangement in the land of Midian, far from his homeland and his people, but also his hope for a better future and return to his native land. The name Gershom carries a universal message about the experience of exile and immigration, a theme that has accompanied the Jewish people throughout all generations. It reminds us that even a great leader like Moses experienced feelings of alienation and disconnection, thereby elevating this human experience into something noble and meaningful. Moses' choice of this name for his son teaches about the importance of historical memory and the need to remember where we came from, even as we build new lives in new places. The name Gershom also appears in other places in the Bible, including in the Book of Chronicles as the name of a descendant of Levi, which testifies to the continued use of this name among the tribe of Levi throughout the generations. In Jewish culture, the name Gershom holds special significance also thanks to Rabbenu Gershom Me'or HaGolah (Light of the Exile), one of the greatest sages of Ashkenaz in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Rabbenu Gershom was among the greatest decisors and commentators of the Talmud, and his enactments, such as the prohibition of polygamy and the prohibition of reading others' letters, have influenced Jewish life to this day. The title "Me'or HaGolah" (Light of the Exile) given to him emphasizes his role as an enlightener during a difficult period of exile and persecution. The figure of Rabbenu Gershom transformed the name into a symbol of wisdom, spiritual leadership, and halachic innovation. Today, the name Gershom is considered a rare and traditional name, carrying rich historical and cultural weight. Parents who choose this name for their children express a deep connection to Jewish heritage, appreciation for values of memory and awareness of roots, as well as identification with themes of exile, return, and hope.

גֵּרְשֹׁם

Gershom | Gershon | Gersham

Boy

No

Exodus 2:22 - And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom; for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land

In Kabbalah, the name Gershom symbolizes the process of descent for the purpose of ascent, the spiritual exile whose purpose is the refinement of the soul. The name expresses the idea that sometimes one must go through experiences of disconnection and alienation in order to reach higher spiritual wholeness. The holy spark in exile awaits redemption.

543

3

Gershom Scholem (scholar of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism) | Gershom Gorenberg (journalist and author) | Gershom Sizomu (Ugandan rabbi and community leader)

גרשון | גד | גיל | גבריאל | גלעד