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Answer: In our Sedra, Avram and Sarai have their names changed to Avraham and Sarah, alluding to their elevated status as (future) leaders of a great nation. Yakov, Yehoshua and Binyamin, among others, will also undergo name changes. When and when not is this advisable in Jewish practice?
There is a Kabbalistic idea that parents are given a sense of Divine inspiration when they name their child, and if that name is used publicly for 30 days, it is best not to change the name. But there are exceptions: A name may be changed if that person is very ill (or an additional name - such as Chaim or Chaya - is added, which is what usually is done); if the name has negative connotations or was a villain (Nimrod or Vashti would be examples); or if the name causes embarrassment (Moran, if living in America?) or depression to the person. It is highly questionable to change a "normal" name on the advice of someone who claims to have "higher knowledge" and asserts that the name is not "a good fit" for the person.
To change the name, we traditionally say a "Mi Sheberach" at Torah reading using the new name. There is also a special Tefila at the end of many books of Tehilim that can be recited. But simply using the name for 30 days also establishes it.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
