In “Shaarei Orah” (Gates of Light), Rabbi Yosef Gikatilla embarks on a meticulous exploration of the divine emanations known as the sefirot.

As we know, the entire Torah is the code of Creation. Hidden in its stories and laws is an intricate web of light that turned to be the Sephirot as we know. Each letter and word correspond to one or more Sephirot depending on the context and in this article we will explore this idea more.

One of the most prominent Mekubalim before the Arizal was R’ Yosef Gikatilla (1248–1305). Born in Castile, he is best known for his deep contributions to the study and systematization of Kabbalistic thought. R’ Yosef Gikatilla was a disciple of the great Kabbalist Rabbi Abraham Abulafia and later became an influential teacher in his own right.

His key contributions include his work “Sha’arei Orah” (Gates of Light), which is a monumental guide understanding Hashem, His sefirot (the divine attributes) and some awesome chiddushim (novel ideas).

This holy book helped shape the intellectual foundations of Kabbalah, offering insights into the relationship between the written and oral Torah, and the Sephirot. Each chapter gives a thorough explanation on the function of a Sephira and how the many of the words in the Torah and Talmud are a reference to it.

While we won’t be able to bring all the explanations of each chapter (you can find them throughout the website), we will at least bring a little introduction to it, and all the words associated with it according to Shaarei Orah.

Here’s a little summary of the 10 Sephirot with some of its meanings:

Gate One: Malkhut (Kingship)

Chapter Focus: Malchut is the final sefirah, representing the manifest world and God’s presence within creation. It is the recipient of all the divine energies from the other sefirot and represents the realization of God’s will in the physical world.

Practical Meaning: Malchut emphasizes leadership and the manifestation of spiritual ideals in the world. It calls for the practical application of all the higher attributes to improve the world around us. In daily life, Malchut can be seen in how we act as leaders, parents, and role models, bringing God’s presence into the world through our actions. Speech is also associated with Malkhut.

Names of Malkhut (English – Hebrew):

1. Lord – Adonay אדנ”י
2. Well – Be’er באר
3. Be’er Sheva באר שבע
4. Sea – Yam ים
5. The Sea of Wisdom – Yam HaChochmah ים החכמה
6. All – Kol כל
7. Stone – Even אבן
8. The Foundation Stone – Even HaRoshah אבן הראשה
9. Brilliant Stone – Even Sapir אבן ספיר
10. Garden – Gan גן
11. Sanctuary – Heichal היכל
12. Ark – Aron ארון
13. The Holy Temple – Beit HaMikdash בית המקדש
14. The Indwelling Presence – Shechinah שכינה
15. The Meeting Tent – Ohel Mo’ed אהל מועד
16. Righteousness – Tzedek צדק
17. God – Elohi”m אלהי״ם
18. The Sword that Avenges Breaches of the Covenant – Cherev Nokemet Nekam Brit חרב נוקמת נקם ברית
19. I – Ani אני
20. The Kingdom of the House of David – Malchut Beit David מלכות בית דוד
21. The Gathering of Waters – Mikveh HaMayim מקוה המים
22. Dry Land – Yabashah יבשה
23. The Phylactery of The Hand – Tefillah Shel Yad תפילה של יד
24. Thus – Koh כה
25. The Opening of the Eyes – Petach Eynayim פתח עינים
26. The Tree of Knowledge – Etz HaDa’at עץ הדעת
27. The Land of the Living – Eretz HaChayim ארץ החיים
28. The Book of Life – Sefer HaChayim ספר החיים
29. Jerusalem – Yerushalayim ירושלים
30. This – Zot זאת
31. The End – Acharit אחרית
32. And He Said – Vayomer ויאמר
33. The Oral Torah – Torah SheBa’al Peh תורה שבעל פה
34. The One Who is Self-Sufficient – Shada”y שד״י
35. The Final Hey (ה) of The Name ה׳ אחרונה של שם
36. The Ingathering of Israel – Knesset Yisroel כנסת ישראל
37. The Land of Israel – Eretz Yisroel ארץ ישראל
38. Bride – Kalah כלה
39. Rachel – Rachel רחל
40. Blessing – Brachah ברכה
41. Eagle – Nesher נשר
42. The Daughter of Seven – Bat Sheva בת שבע
43. The Altar – Mizbe’ach מזבח
44. Daughter – Bat בת
45. Woman – Ishah אשה
46. The Teru’ah – Teruah תרועה
47. The Sabbatical – Shemitah שמיטה
48. The Lower Indwelling Presence – Shechinah Tata’ah שכינה תתאה
49. The Bent Nun – Nun Kfufah נ׳ כפופה

Gate two: Yesod (Foundation)

Chapter Focus: Yesod serves as the channel through which the divine energies flow into the material world. It connects all the higher sefirot to the physical realm and is often considered the “foundation” of creation. Yesod is also connected to the male organ in humans and connects Malkhut to the upper Sephirot.

Practical Meaning: Yesod represents the role of foundations in life, personal, emotional, and spiritual. It’s about creating solid, balanced relationships, building strong values, and being a conduit of divine energy into everyday actions.

Names of Yesod (English – Hebrew)

1. The Living God – E”l Chai א״ל חי
2. The God of Life – Elohi”m Chayim אלהי״ם חיים
3. The Self-Sufficient God – E”l Shaddai א״ל שד״י
4. The Source of Living Waters – Mekor Mayim Chayim מקור מים חיים
5. Foundation – Yesod יסוד
6. The Righteous One – Tzaddik צדיק
7. Good – Tov טוב
8. Good Intellect – Sechel Tov שכל טוב
9. Peace – Shalom שלום
10. Remembrance – Zikharon זכרון
11. Remember – Zachor זכור
12. The Holy Mountain – Har HaKodesh הר הקודש
13. Redemption – Ge’ulah גאולה
14. The Seventh – Shvi’it שביעית
15. The Lower – Tachtonah תחתונה
16. The lower end of the Letter Vav קצה התחתון של ואו
17. This – Zeh זה
18. Shabbat שבת
19. Covenant – Brit ברית
20. Sign – Ot אות
21. Oath – Shevu’ah שבועה
22. The Good Mountain – HaHar HaTov ההר הטוב
23. Decree – Chok חוק
24. Mount Zion – Har Tziyon הר ציון
25. All – Kol כל
26. The Mighty Power of Israel – Abeer Yisroel אביר ישראל
27. Lord – Adon אדון
28. The Faithful Kindness of David – Chasdei David HaNe’emanim חסדי דוד הנאמנים
29. The Life of the Worlds – Chai HaOlamim חי העולמים
30. The Lower Interpreter – HaMeilitz Tachton המליץ תחתון
31. The Mighty Power of Yaakov – Abeer Yaakov אביר יעקב
32. The Lower Kindness – Chessed Tachton חסד תחתון
33. The Covenant of the Rainbow – Brit HaKeshet ברית הקשת
34. The Small Yod יו״ד הקטנה
35. The Circumcision – Milah מילה
36. The Kingdom of the House of David – Malchut Beit David מלכות בית דוד
37. The Son – Ben בן
38. The Shevarim (blasts of the Shofar) שברים
39. The One Who Dwells Within – Dar דר
40. The Lower Yod יו״ד תחתונה

Gate three: Hod (splendor)

Chapter Focus: Hod represents humility, submission, and the ability to acknowledge the greatness of God. It balances Netzach by bringing an understanding of divine glory and the need for gratitude.

Practical Meaning: Hod teaches us to be humble and to appreciate the beauty and majesty of life. It calls for an acknowledgment of God’s greatness, and in practical terms, it’s about being receptive, humble, and open to learning and growth. Hod is also associated with the left leg.

Gate four: Netzach (eternity or victory)

Chapter Focus: Netzach is associated with perseverance, victory, and the drive for spiritual achievement. It represents the power to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward.

Practical Meaning: Practically, Netzach is about resilience and persistence. It teaches the value of endurance in the face of challenges and the ability to keep striving toward one’s goals, even when faced with difficulties. Hod is also associated with the right leg.

Names of Netzach and Hod together (English – Hebrew)

1. HaShem of Hosts – HaShem Tzva’ot יהו״ה צבאו״ת
2. God of Hosts – Elohi”m Tzva’ot אלהי״ם צבאו״ת
3. Majesty – Hod הוד
4. Bo’az בועז
5. Shechakim שחקים
6. The Essence of the Heavens – Etzem HaShamayim עצם השמים
7. The Place of Counsel – Makom HaEitzah מקום העצה
8. Victory – Netzach נצח
9. Eternity – Netzachim נצחים
10. Faithful God – E”l Emunah א״ל אמונה
11. The Right Leg – Regel Yemin רגל ימין
12. Without Corruption – Ein Avel אין עול
13. The Left Leg – Regel Smol רגל שמאל
14. The Thighs – Shokayim שוקיים
15. The Knees – Birkayim ברכיים
16. The Two Testicles – Trein Be’in תרין בעין
17. Yachin יכין
18. The Shevarim (blasts of the Shofar) שברים
19. The Vav of the Name HaShem וא”ו של שם

Gate five: Tiferet (beauty)

Chapter Focus: Tiferet represents harmony, balance, and the synthesis of Chesed and Gevurah. It is the divine attribute that brings beauty into the world through a perfect blend of love and judgment. It is also associated with the trunk in humans.

Practical Meaning: Tiferet is the ability to maintain balance in life, bringing compassion and discipline together. It emphasizes finding harmony between different aspects of life and seeing beauty in both our strengths and limitations.

Here we also find the 13 Attributes of mercy when Zeir Anpin, which is symbolized by Tiferet, receives the illumination of the countenance of Arich Anpin. Then his 9 Attributes of Mercy become 13 just like Arich.

Names of Tiferet (English – Hebrew)

1. HaShem יהו״ה
2. The Middle Column – Kav HaEmtza’ee קו האמצעי
3. The Tree of Life – Etz HaChayim עץ החיים
4. The Written Torah – Torah SheB’Khtav תורה שבכתב
5. Truth – Emet אמת
6. Splendor – Tiferet תפארת
7. Knowledge – Da’at דעת
8. Awesome – Norah נורא
9. Justice – Mishpat משפט
10. You – Atah אתה
11. Yaakov יעקב
12. Yisroel ישראל
13. The quality of Day – Midat Yom מידת יום
14. The Central Beam – Bre’ach HaTichon בריח התיכון
15. The Father of Israel – Av Yisroel אב ישראל
16. Humility – Anavah ענוה
17. Powerful – Adir אדיר
18. Peace – Shalom שלום
19. Shlomo שלמה
20. The Third – Shelishi שלישי
21. Heaven – Shamayim שמים
22. The Day of Shabbat – Yom Shabbat יום שבת
23. The Pure Man – Ish Tam איש תם
24. The Holy One, Blessed is He – HaKadosh Baruch Hoo הקדוש ברוך הוא
25. The Small Face – Zeir Anpin זעיר אנפין
26. HaShem HaShem – Havayah Havayah יהו״ה יהו״ה
27. Mercy – Rachamim רחמים
28. Remembrance – Zecher זכר
29. Moshe משה
30. Milk – Chalav חלב
31. Honey – Dvash דבש
32. The Rock – Tzur צור
33. Day – Yom יום
34. The Candelabrum – Menorah מנורה
35. The Moon – Yare’ach ירח
36. Shabbat שבת
37. I – Anochi אנכי
38. Man – Adam אדם
39. The Golden Altar – Mizbe’ach HaZahav מזבח הזהב
40. Good Appearance – Tov Ro’ee טוב רואי
41. The Vav of The Name – Vav Shel Shem וא״ו של שם
42. The Tefillin of the Head – Tefillin Shel Rosh תפילין של ראש
43. The Torah Scroll – Sefer Torah ספר תורה
44. Grace – Chein חן
45. Speech – Dibur דבור
46. The Firmament – Rakiya רקיע
47. The Spinal Chord – Chut HaShidrah חוט השדרה
48. Son – Ben בן
49. The Simple sound of the Shofar – Shofar Pashut שופר פשוט
50. The Great Voice – Kol Gadol קול גדול
51. Almighty – E”l (right) א״ל
52. Mighty – Adeer אדיר
53. Awesome – Nora נורא
54. Great – Gadol גדול
55. Judge – Shofet שופט
56. Bearer of Iniquity – Noseh Avon נושא עון
57. Merciful – Rachum רחום
58. Decisor – Dayan דיין
59. Overlooks Intentional Sin – Over Al Pesha עובר על פשע
60. Graceful – Chanun חנון
61. Strong – Chazak חזק
62. Truth – Emet אמת
63. Mighty – Chaseen חסין
64. Long Patient – Erech Apayim ארך אפים
65. Exalted – Marom מרום
66. Powerful – Kabeer Ko’ach כביר כח
67. Man of War – Eesh Milchamah איש מלחמה
68. High – Ram רם
69. Abundant in Kindness – Rav Chessed רב חסד
70. Courageous – Geebor גבור
71. Preserver of Kindness – Notzer Chessed נוצר חסד
72. Holy – Kadosh קדוש
73. Exacting with sin – Poked Avon פוקד עון
74. Dwells Eternally – Shochen Ad שוכן עד
75. Kind – Chassid חסיד
76. Repays in Kind – Meshalem Gemul משלם גמול
77. Forgiving – Sole’ach סולח

Gate six: Gevurah (strength)

Chapter Focus: Gevurah is the attribute of strength, judgment, and discipline. It serves as the counterbalance to Chesed, providing the structure and boundaries necessary for creation.

Practical Meaning: Gevurah calls for discipline and restraint in life. It teaches us the importance of setting limits, making wise decisions based on justice, and having self-control when necessary. It is also associated with the left arm.

Names of Gevurah (English – Hebrew)

1. God – Elohi”m אלהי״ם
2. Might – Gevurah גבורה
3. The Upper Court of Law – Beit Din Shel Ma’alah בית דין של מעלה
4. North – Tzafon צפון
5. The Dim Hand – Yad Keheh יד כהה
6. The quality of Harsh Judgment – Din HaKashah מדת הדין הקשה
7. The Supernal Court of Law – Beit Din HaElyon בית דין העליון
8. Merit – Zechut זכות
9. The Dread of Yitzchak – Pachad Yitzchak פחד יצחק
10. The Great Fire – Aish HaGedolah האש הגדולה
11. The Consuming Fire – Aish Ochlah אש אוכלה
12. Dominion – Memshalah ממשלה
13. Judgment – Din דין
14. Left – Smol שמאל
15. Gold – Zahav זהב
16. Bread – Lechem לחם
17. Salt – Melach מלח
18. Wine – Yayin יין
19. Darkness – Choshech חשך
20. Night – Laylah לילה
21. The Cloud – Anan ענן
22. The Thick Darkness – Arafel ערפל
23. Flesh – Bassar בשר
24. The Bee – Devorah דבורה
25. Fine Flour – Solet סלת
26. The Showbread Table – Shulchan שלחן
27. The Sun – Shemesh שמש
28. Fire – Aish אש
29. Sinai סיני
30. Justice – Mishpat משפט
31. Stone – Even אבן
32. Hand – Yad יד
33. The Copper Altar – Mizbe’ach HaNechoshet מזבח הנחשת
34. Earth – Adamah אדמה
35. God of Truth – Elohi”m Emet אלהי״ם אמת
36. Heaven – Shamayim שמים
37. Ruddy – Admoni אדמוני
38. The Arm – Zro’ah זרוע
39. The Vav – ו of The Name HaShem וא”ו של שם
40. Son – Ben בן
41. Ox – Shor שור
42. The Chamber of Hewn Stone – Lishkat HaGazeet לשכת הגזית
43. Terror – Pachad פחד
44. The Teru’ah Sound of the Shofar – Teru’ah תרועה
45. Fear – Yirah יראה

Gate seven: Chessed (loving-kindness)

Chapter Focus: Chesed represents divine love, mercy, and generosity. It is the attribute that expresses the flow of kindness from God to the world.

Practical Meaning: In practical terms, Chesed encourages us to act with compassion, give to others without expecting anything in return, and show love and understanding in all of our relationships.

Names of Chessed (English – Hebrew)

1. English Name of God Hebrew Translation
2. Benevolent God א״ל (E”l)
3. The Supernal God א״ל עליון (E”l Elyon)
4. The Kindness of Avraham חסד אברהם (Chessed Avraham)
5. The Right ימין (Yemin)
6. Holy קדוש (Kadosh)
7. The Upper Waters מים עליונים (Mayim Elyonim)
8. Powerful אדיר (Adir)
9. Worldly Kindness חסד עולם (Chessed Olam)
10. The Heavens שמים (Shamayim)
11. Greatness גדולה (Gedulah)
12. The Arm זרוע (Zro’ah)
13. The Lion אריה (Aryeh)
14. Son בן (Ben)
15. The Letter Vav ו (Vav)
16. God אלו״ה (Elo’ah)
17. God (minus the Vav) אל״ה (Elo’ah)

Gate eight: Binah (understanding)

Chapter Focus: Binah represents the power of analysis and contemplation. It is the intellectual process tha