Shaarei Chaim distinguishes between gadol, great, and ram, exalted, as being different in size and also in geography. Gadol is similar to migdal, a tower, which rises high into the sky – yet is firmly planted on earth. This implies that Hashem, Who is great, is lofty and high Above in Heaven. Nonetheless, He takes an interest and is involved in the everyday affairs of this mundane world. Ram, on the other hand, is totally out of reach. This is the belief of the goyim. Hashem is not part of this world. He is completely in Heaven and has no interest in our lives or in the goings on of this world.
Perhaps this could explain the blessing conferred at a bris: Zeh ha’katan gadol yiheyeh, “This little one shall be great.” We pray that the infant rise above and make great achievements in the world of the spirit. We also hope that he will be like a migdal – not lose sight of this world. Tzu Got un tzu leit, “To G-d and to man.” True greatness is established when one is able to elevate this earthly world and synthesize it with Heaven.
