Shorshei Ha-Shemot – Roots of the Names
A Study in the Mystical Significance of Hebrew Names
Introduction
Shorshei Ha-Shemot (שׁוֹרְשֵׁי הַשֵּׁמוֹת), translated as “Roots of the Names,” is a rare and revered work within the corpus of Jewish mystical literature. As its name implies, the text explores the spiritual essence of Hebrew names—an endeavor rooted in the Kabbalistic understanding that names are not arbitrary labels but vessels of divine energy, spiritual function, and cosmic resonance.
Unlike other works that treat names merely linguistically or genealogically, Shorshei Ha-Shemot views the structure, letters, and numerical values of names as revelatory codes—offering insight into the soul’s purpose, the emanations of the Divine, and the interplay between creation and the Creator.
Authorship and Historical Context
The authorship of Shorshei Ha-Shemot remains somewhat mysterious, as is common with many early Kabbalistic texts. While it is often attributed to Rabbi Moshe Zacuto (1625–1697), a preeminent Italian Kabbalist known for his deep mystical writings, some traditions suggest that the work may have been compiled earlier by an unknown master within the circles of Safed or Spain⁽¹⁾.
Rabbi Zacuto—often referred to by the acronym RaMa”Z—was among the last major figures of classical Kabbalah before its transmission into Hasidic and Lurianic frameworks. His deep interest in the sacred use of Divine Names, angelology, and liturgical mysticism makes him a fitting candidate for authorship, even if indirect.
Content and Themes
At its heart, Shorshei Ha-Shemot offers a systematic analysis of Hebrew names, exploring their origins, numerical values (gematria), component letters, and associations with divine qualities and mystical concepts. According to Kabbalistic thought, each Hebrew letter contains a spark of divine light, and when combined into names—especially personal names—they encapsulate aspects of the soul’s spiritual mission⁽²⁾.
Key themes of the book include:
• The nature of Hebrew as a sacred language, in which the act of naming is an act of spiritual creation.
• The power of speech and sound, particularly when invoking or contemplating Divine Names.
• **The relationship between names and the sefirot, or divine emanations through which God interacts with creation.
• The alignment of personal names with angelic forces, soul paths, and the metaphysical dimensions of existence.
In this sense, the book functions as both mystical lexicon and meditative guide, enabling those initiated into its depths to attune themselves to the sacred resonance of a name.
Examples from Shorshei Ha-Shemot
Here are several names drawn from the text, along with their mystical interpretations:
1. Avraham (אברהם)
Derived from “av” (father) and “hamon” (multitude), the name signifies Avraham’s role as the patriarch of nations (Genesis 17:5). Kabbalistically, Avraham embodies Chesed (lovingkindness) and the expansive quality of divine mercy.
2. Yitzchak (יצחק)
From the root “tzachak” (to laugh), this name reflects the miraculous joy of his birth (Genesis 21:6). Mystically, Yitzchak represents the left pillar—Gevurah (severity or strength)—yet his name softens that quality with joy, suggesting disciplined love⁽³⁾.
3. Yaakov (יעקב)
Rooted in “eikev” (heel), Yaakov symbolizes humility and spiritual struggle, having grasped his twin’s heel at birth (Genesis 25:26). His later transformation into Yisrael represents the elevation of the lower to the higher, from constraint to transcendence.
4. Moshe (משה)
Meaning “drawn out” (Exodus 2:10), this name carries the energy of Binah (understanding) and Da’at (knowledge). Moshe, as the receiver of Torah, is seen as the bridge between heaven and earth—symbolized by his name’s connection to water, the hidden source of wisdom.
5. David (דוד)
From “dod” (beloved), David’s name expresses intimate union with God. As the sweet singer of Israel and prototype of the Messianic soul, David is aligned with Malchut (kingdom) and the divine presence (Shekhinah) within creation.
6. Sarah (שרה)
Meaning “princess” or “noblewoman,” Sarah embodies the archetype of spiritual femininity, Chokhmah (wisdom) tempered by inner strength. Her name implies a leadership rooted in prophetic insight.
7. Rivka (רבקה)
Derived from a root meaning “to bind,” Rivka represents the weaving of destiny and the power of sacred attachment. Her inner qualities include compassion, courage, and the capacity to see into the soul of others.
8. Rachel (רחל)
Meaning “ewe,” Rachel is symbolic of purity, vulnerability, and gentle sacrifice. Her association with prayer and the hidden world (Yesod) is emphasized in Kabbalistic teachings, where she is seen as interceding for her children from beyond the grave⁽⁴⁾.
Linguistic and Numerical Analysis
Each name in Shorshei Ha-Shemot is often broken down by:
• Gematria – the numerical value of each letter reveals hidden correspondences.
• Acronyms and Notarikon – the use of abbreviations and letter rearrangements to uncover spiritual teachings.
• Tzerufim (letter permutations) – the rearrangement of letters to access alternate energies or meanings.
• Relationship to Divine Names – especially the four-letter Name (YHVH) and other sacred names found in angelic or liturgical traditions⁽⁵⁾.
Influence and Legacy
Though not as widely circulated as other Kabbalistic classics, Shorshei Ha-Shemot holds an esteemed place among initiates and scholars of Jewish mysticism. Due to its highly esoteric content and detailed formulas related to Divine Names, it has remained a closely guarded text, referenced only in limited circles and rarely printed.
Its teachings have been cited by later mystical authorities, including those within the Lurianic, Hasidic, and practical Kabbalistic traditions. It is especially prized among angelologists, ritual magicians, and scholars of Hebrew sacred sound for its intricate interweaving of names, energies, and divine function.
Today, Shorshei Ha-Shemot is considered rare, expensive, and difficult to obtain, with many occult and esoteric authors referencing it without revealing its full content. As such, it remains a treasured artifact of spiritual lineage, accessible only to those deeply committed to the mysteries of the Hebrew language and Divine Names⁽⁶⁾.
Conclusion
Shorshei Ha-Shemot is more than a catalog of names—it is a mystical map of divine-human interaction. By examining the roots of Hebrew names, it unveils a path to greater self-awareness, spiritual clarity, and alignment with the divine plan. For those steeped in Kabbalistic tradition, the study of a name becomes a sacred act—a way to listen to the soul’s purpose echoing through the letters, numbers, and sacred codes embedded in the Holy Tongue.
Footnotes
1. See Gershom Scholem, Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism, for discussions of authorship in early Kabbalistic texts.
2. Kaplan, Aryeh. Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation, Weiser Books, 1990.
3. Vital, Chaim. Etz Chaim (Tree of Life), describing Yitzchak’s place within the left pillar of the sefirotic tree.
4. Midrash Rabbah on Lamentations and Kabbalistic commentaries on Rachel’s intercession.
5. Dan, Joseph. Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2006.
6. Webster, Richard. Encyclopedia of Angels. Llewellyn Publications, 2007.