Reish begins the word rosh which means head or beginning, the operational point of the intellect, reason and wisdom. It also begins the word ruah which means wind of spirit.
The natural way to gain knowledge and wisdom is is through concepts and reasoning. But there is another way ruah ha-kadosh (holy spirit) which is beyond logic alone.42
Christian Perspective
One night Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus realizing that he was from God. Jesus said to him, "No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus did not understand. How can a grown man reenter his mother's womb and be born again? Jesus explained that he did not mean natural rebirth but a spiritual rebirth by water and Spirit. The Spirit, Jesus said, is like the wind which you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going. Nicodemus still did not understand. Jesus exclaimed, I explain to you by using earthly realities and still you do not believe. Will you believe me if I tell you heavenly things?
"The Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth." (Jn 16:13)
This is the promise made by Christ to his apostles and his Church. It is the Spirit which guides the Church toward the deeper understanding of faith which are truths beyond the realm of reason, although not unreasonable, once accepted. (Jn 16:13)
Shin begins the word: Shaddai (God almighty).
Shinui (change) and is said of God "Surely, the Lord, does not change...." (Mal 3:6)
Shin also refers to Shabbath (Sabbath), Shalom (peace), and simcha (joy)."The early Hasidim extolled this inner quality [joy] as the essence of spirituality. They envisioned the 'Great Sabbath" -- the future Age of Redemption -- as permeated with joy, they advised that we cultivate this trait now in everyday existence." 43
In its overall meaning this character signifies God's eternal presence which brings about completion, peace and serenity. (mindatals.com: The Hebrew Alphabet, 21st letter)
Christian Perspective
are spiritual attitudes which Christ proclaimed as the way to the blessed state of God's heavenly vision.
Please click beatitudes to hear them.
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