שם

Shem is one of the most ancient and significant names in Hebrew tradition, carrying multiple profound meanings. The name first appears in the Book of Genesis as the name of Noah's eldest son, one of three sons who survived the Great Flood alongside their father. Shem is considered the father of the Semitic peoples, and from his name derives the term "Semitic" - referring to peoples who speak Semitic languages. Abraham, the patriarch of the Hebrew nation, is a direct descendant of Shem, which grants this name a particularly special status in Jewish tradition. Linguistically, the Hebrew word "shem" (name) forms the foundation of one of the most important concepts in human culture - personal identity. A name is the designation by which a person, place, or thing is called, representing its essence and uniqueness. In Hebrew culture, a name carries especially deep significance - "make yourself a name" means to achieve reputation and status, "preserve the name" means to maintain family honor and reputation. The concept of "HaShem" (The Name) also serves as a designation for God, expressing honor and sanctity. In prayers and blessings, it is customary to say "Baruch HaShem" (Blessed be The Name) instead of explicitly mentioning God's name, which testifies to the holiness and importance attributed to this word. The name Shem also carries a profound philosophical message about the power of names and words. In Jewish culture, a name is not merely an external label but an expression of the inner soul. "The name is the person and the person is the name" - says the Kabbalistic tradition, emphasizing the deep connection between the name and a person's spiritual essence. Choosing the name Shem for a child expresses a desire to grant them a strong identity, awareness of roots and tradition, and a deep connection to the cultural and spiritual sources of the Jewish people. This is a name that reminds us of the importance of memory, the power of language and words, and the responsibility each person has to make for themselves a "good name" - a reputation of integrity, kindness, and justice.

שֵׁם

Shem | Shaim

Boy and Girl

No

Genesis 11:10 - And Shem lived a hundred years, and begot Arpachshad two years after the flood

In Kabbalah, the name Shem symbolizes the power of speech and the divine name. The name carries the gematria value of 340, equal to the word "safa" (language) - emphasizing the connection between name and the power of expression. Kabbalah teaches that the name is the channel through which a person's soul expresses itself in the physical world, carrying their spiritual destiny. Shem represents the connection to ancient sources, the blessing that flows from generation to generation, and the responsibility to preserve tradition and pass it forward.

340

7

Shlomo Alkabetz (Shem Tov HaLevi Alkabetz) - poet and Kabbalist, composer of 'Lecha Dodi' | Shem Tov Golan - Israeli musician and composer

שמעון | שמואל | שמריה | שמחה | נח | יפת

288 times