The letter Kuf is the only non-final letter to descend below the writing line. Originally, it represented a Monkey (“Kof”). The Zohar speaks of it negatively : it is considered a letter of falsehood because it “mimics” the letter Heh, a letter appearing twice in the name of God.
The letter Resh forms the upper part of the letter Kouf, and Zayin its lower part. Together, these two letters form the words “Raz” (רז “Secret”) or “Zar” (זר “Stranger”) which have a gematria of 207, matching that of the word “Or” (אור “Light”). This helps us understand why the word “Kadosh” (קדוש “Holy”) begins with the letter Kouf: the Tikoun (repair or rectification) of the letter Kuf enables enlightenment of the darkest places and allows the sparks of holiness to return to their Source.
“Salmone” (“Salmon”)
סלמון
Gematria = 186
= full gematria of the letter Kuf
קוף
= gematria of “Makom” (“Place,” one of the names of God)
מקום
The salmon, which journeys from the depths of the oceans and swims against the current to return to the Source, ot Makom, perfectly symbolizes the letter Kuf. The repair of the letter Kuf, a return to the Source, allows the “Monkey” to transform into the “Temple of Solomon”.
When the “tail” of the Kuf is removed, it becomes the letter Heh: humanity is no longer a “monkey” but “in the image” of God.
“Salmon” is “Salmo” in Latin (a word likely of Gaulish origin). “Salmo” means “Psalm” in both Spanish and Italian.
“Salmon” is also called “Iltite” in Hebrew.
אלתית
Ordinal gematria = 67
= gematria of “Binah” (“Understanding,” a word associated with construction)
בינה
To return to the Source and build the Temple, we must not behave like sheep. Rather, we must know how to swim against the current, like a salmon.
#Temple #Salmon