YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Shmot
A name is a fascinating thing. On the one hand, it’s just a word, a handle, a way for others to call us rather than merely saying, "Hey, you!" But our name goes much deeper & higher than that. In mystical fashion, our name represents our very essence, our character, our mission, our unique personality. The word "shem," to illustrate this, is at the very center of the word "neshama" or soul.
Fittingly, the story of our becoming a nation is called, Shmot - Names. We each have our own, individual name. That is something which no one can take away from us (though the Nazis tried). We react instinctively & are proud of our name, because it reminds us that we are each a valuable person, that we have self-worth. Hashem knows each of us by name; He recognizes us individually & cherishes our existence.
And we have a collective name, as well. When put all together, we are Yisrael. That name contains within it our 2 most outstanding qualities: We are Yashar, morally upright; & we are devoted to El, Hashem. If we live up to those ideals, then each of us a Sar-El a prince of G-d. The letters of Yisrael also encompass our progenitors, the Avot & Imahot: Yud for Yitzchak & Yakov; Shin for Sara; Raish for Rivka; Alef for Avraham; Lamed for Leah.
In Gematriya, Yisrael (541) equals HaMitzvot. We are defined by the commandments we keep. It also equals Or V’Choshech, light & darkness. We are a people of intense energy; either we are a source of brilliance in the world, or afflicted with gloom. We are never in-between.
The most prominent name in our Sedra, of course, is Moshe, a most intriguing name. It can be Egyptian, recalling Moshe’s early years spent in Paro’s palace. It can also be Hebrew, telling the story of his life, how he was plucked out of the water. And it can also define Moshe’s mandate: "He who pulls others out." Out of slavery, out of exile & subjugation & into freedom.
Our name represents our potential for greatness. Our Sages say that when we neglect to live up to our name, we place ourselves in a kind of personal exile. And so the custom, at the conclusion of the Amida, is to recite p’sukim connected to our name & then to say the verse, Hashem Tzuri V’Goali; G-d is my Rock & my Redeemer.
So what’s in a name? Our history, our destiny, our path to redemption. May we all merit to acquire a good name, a Shem Tov. It’s what we’ll take with us to Olam Haba.
Igrot Hare’aya Possibilities of Creating Religious Moshavot – #284 – part II
Date and Place: 1 Adar II, 5670 (1910), Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
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)
