In chapter two, Jonas's father mentions to his children that he broke the rule by looking at the committee's naming list before the Ceremony of One to find out the name of the infant that had been struggling to reach his development progress goals. Jonas's father felt that by looking up the name of the infant identified as number thirty-six, he would be able to enhance the nurturing process by calling the infant by his given name. Jonas's father discovers that the infant's name is Gabriel and privately calls him by his name at the Nurturing Center during certain activities. Jonas's father believes that by saying Gabriel's name, Gabriel will begin making more progress toward his developmental goals, which is something he has been struggling with. Later on, Jonas's father is given permission to nurture Gabriel at home, where he spends the night. Fortunately, Jonas is able to transmit peaceful memories to Gabriel throughout the night when he is having difficulty sleeping.

Jonas's father is a nurturer. His job is to care for babies in their first year of life.  There is a newchild at the nurturing center who is having a particularly difficult time adjusting to the expected behaviors.  He is a fussy baby who cries often.  His father takes the baby home to give him extra care and attention.  

Hoping that it will make a difference, Jonas's father breaks the rules of nurturers.  He takes a peek at the name list for the newchildren.  The names are announced at the ceremony in December.  They are supposed to be kept a secret until then.  

The newchild's name is Gabriel.  Jonas's father whispers Gabriel's name to him when the baby cries.  He hopes that this will help to comfort him.