נטף

Nataf is a rare and ancient Hebrew name carrying multiple profound meanings that span different periods in Hebrew culture. The root of the name is connected to the verb 'to drip' or 'to trickle' - referring to the slow, gentle release of liquid drops. This meaning gives the name a character of delicacy, softness, and natural flow, like dew drops forming gently on plant leaves at dawn or aromatic resin slowly dripping from a balsam tree. In biblical and Talmudic sources, Nataf is mentioned as one of the most important spices used in preparing the sacred incense (Ketoret) in the Holy Temple. According to Jewish sages, Nataf is a precious aromatic resin that drips from the Kataf tree, also known as the balsam tree, and it was one of the eleven spices that composed the Temple incense. The use of Nataf in the Temple incense gives the name a dimension of holiness, spiritual purity, and connection to ancient religious tradition. The incense itself symbolized the prayers of the people rising upward, and Nataf as part of it represents the elevation of the human spirit toward the sacred. Beyond its religious-historical significance, the name Nataf has additional meanings in Hebrew. With a slightly different pronunciation, 'Netef' refers to a drop, a droplet of water, something small yet valuable. This meaning emphasizes the beauty in small details, the importance of each and every drop in the stream of life. In another meaning, 'Natef' refers to the grapes hanging at the bottom end of the cluster, those special grapes found at the tip, carrying the concentrated sweetness of the entire cluster. The name also carries geographical significance - Nataf is the name of a Jewish communal settlement in the Jerusalem Hills, strengthening the name's connection to the Land of Israel and the unique mountainous landscape of the Jerusalem region.

נָטָף

Nataf | Natef

Boy and Girl

No

Exodus 30:34 - And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each shall there be a like weight'

In Kabbalah, Nataf symbolizes the gentle spiritual flow of divine abundance from the upper worlds to the physical realm. Just as Nataf drips drop by drop, so does spiritual abundance descend to us in a measured and moderate manner, according to human capacity for reception. The connection of Nataf to the Temple incense strengthens the symbolism of prayer ascending and the human desire to approach the divine, while maintaining purity of intention and heart.

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Nataf Ben-Yehuda (Israeli poet) | Nataf Bar-Giora (Israeli artist)

נטע | נתן | נופר | נרד | נחל | טל

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