שמי

Shamai is an ancient and distinguished Hebrew name, originating from the Mishnaic and Talmudic period. The name carries a fascinating dual meaning: on one hand, it can be interpreted as "heavenly" or "belonging to the heavens," expressing spiritual aspiration and connection to higher realms. On the other hand, the name is closely associated with the famous figure of Shammai the Elder, one of the greatest sages of the Mishnah and prominent Tannaim during the Second Temple period. Shammai the Elder was a contemporary of Hillel the Elder, and together they represented two central streams in Jewish law. While Hillel was known for his lenient and moderate approach, Shammai was characterized by his stringent and meticulous path. He founded "Beit Shammai" (the House of Shammai), a school of thought that focused on deep study and strict halakhic rulings. Although in most cases the law was decided according to Beit Hillel, the opinions of Shammai and his disciples remained an integral part of Jewish tradition and testify to the importance of debate and pluralism in Jewish thought. The name Shamai appears in many sources as a symbol of wisdom, consistency, and adherence to principles. One of the famous stories about Shammai tells of a prospective convert who came to convert on the condition that he be taught the entire Torah while standing on one foot. Shammai rejected him, while Hillel accepted him patiently. This story illustrates Shammai's stringent approach, but also the importance of precision and seriousness in Torah study. The name Shamai thus symbolizes not only wisdom, but also standing on principles, truth, and intellectual integrity. It is suitable for parents who wish to give their child a name with historical, spiritual, and cultural depth, a name that recalls the great scholars of Israel and the rich heritage of Jewish thought.

שַׁמַּי

Shamai | Shammai | Shamay

Boy and Girl

No

In Kabbalah, the name Shamai is connected to the higher worlds and the heavens. The root 'sham' is related to the concept of sky and spirituality. Kabbalah sees this name as an expression of the connection between the earthly world and the spiritual realm, and the aspiration to rise above materiality. The name carries an energy of precision, order, and spiritual lawfulness.

350

8

Shammai the Elder - Great Tanna of the Mishnah, founder of Beit Shammai | Shammai ben Nethania - Jewish leader during the Great Revolt | Rabbi Shammai - Several other Talmudic scholars bore this name

שמעון | שמואל | שמריה | שמעיה | שמחה | שלמה | שאול

95 times