- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayetze
given to 12 of Yakov’s 13 children. Because women
have a higher level of Ruach HaKodesh (as
evidenced by Sara having the final word vis a vis
Yishmael) these names are bestowed by the mother,
rather than the father, though today it is best
when both parents agree with the name, or at
least "trade off" in who gets to choose.
Ashkenazim often name for deceased relatives;
Sefardim for living ones, but this is not
obligatory; the important thing is that the name
conveys a positive message or blessing for the
future. Once a name is used for 30 days, it is
established & should not be changed, unless it
has a negative connotation (note that Yakov will
change the name of "Ben-Oni, son of my mourning"
to Binyamin next week). Beware those who claim to
know which names are propitious or "unlucky;"
there are no prophets alive today, & as long as
the name is not derogatory, it needn’t be altered
(though a second name may be added if desired).
Truth and the Patriarch Yaakov
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | 5 Kislev 5785
The Ladder
Parashat Vayetze
Rabbi Yerachmiel Roness | 5766
The Importance of the Father Figure
Parashat Vayetze
Rabbi Sholom Gold
“What’s the Rush?”
Parashat Vayetze
Rabbi Yossef Carmel | 9 Kislev 5766
The Torah’s Instructions to Non-Jews—The Laws of Bnei Noach
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5771
What Do These "Shovavim" Days Mean to Us?
Rabbi Gur Aria Argamon | Tevet 20 5783
Halachic Consequences of Use of Medical Marijuana
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Tammuz 16 5777
