Parsha Shemot
January 10, 2026/21 Tevet 5786
This parsha of Shemos, meaning names, recalls the earlier verse where the names of the 70 individuals who descended with Jacob to Egypt are recounted. Yet here, we only read the names of the 12 sons of Jacob, the tribes of Israel. Why the difference and what is the significance of using the same terms twice? There are a number of commentaries that answer this question, the Yalkut Shemoni (a collection of Midrashim compiled between the 11th and 14th centuries of uncertain origin) contrasts G-d with a king of flesh and blood. Whereas the name of G-d is exalted forever and ever, the name of a flesh and blood ruler is only as great as his might on Earth. Thus, we see the significance of a name, but why the repetition, this time only with the tribes?
The tribes themselves are likened to the stars (see Joseph’s dream) and this is also a hint back to the promise to multiply the Jewish people like the stars, and just like the stars (Isaiah 40:26), G-d calls each and every one of us by name. This connection is not only purposeful, but meaningful in practical application. For example, Jewish law assigns great significance, not only in the names we give our children, but legal implications in contracts, marriage documents, etc.
The Midrash notes that the Jewish people in Egypt kept their Hebrew names and gives them great credit for this. One of the things that I have been greatly impressed by, was how my wife has consistently used her Igbo name in the US, despite the difficulty for some Americans to pronounce it. While she also uses her English middle name on occasion, the value she places on taking pride in her name also fills me with pride.
A name is more than just a label; it conveys intrinsic meaning to all who use it. Now more than ever it is important to take pride in our Jewish names and Hebrew language. This past week in yet another global act of Jew-hatred, a website mapped Jewish businesses in Barcelona for the purpose of targeting them. Not all Jews have Jewish names and people change their names for all sorts of reasons, and this is not to criticize any individual’s choice. Rather it is the recognition of identity and the significance of Jewish names and Hebrew language that we are looking to stress. Names have power, so take pride in your name, whatever it is. Unless your name is “Talula does the hula from Hawaii” (in which case, the New Zealand courts get involved).
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
The tribes themselves are likened to the stars (see Joseph’s dream) and this is also a hint back to the promise to multiply the Jewish people like the stars, and just like the stars (Isaiah 40:26), G-d calls each and every one of us by name. This connection is not only purposeful, but meaningful in practical application. For example, Jewish law assigns great significance, not only in the names we give our children, but legal implications in contracts, marriage documents, etc.
The Midrash notes that the Jewish people in Egypt kept their Hebrew names and gives them great credit for this. One of the things that I have been greatly impressed by, was how my wife has consistently used her Igbo name in the US, despite the difficulty for some Americans to pronounce it. While she also uses her English middle name on occasion, the value she places on taking pride in her name also fills me with pride.
A name is more than just a label; it conveys intrinsic meaning to all who use it. Now more than ever it is important to take pride in our Jewish names and Hebrew language. This past week in yet another global act of Jew-hatred, a website mapped Jewish businesses in Barcelona for the purpose of targeting them. Not all Jews have Jewish names and people change their names for all sorts of reasons, and this is not to criticize any individual’s choice. Rather it is the recognition of identity and the significance of Jewish names and Hebrew language that we are looking to stress. Names have power, so take pride in your name, whatever it is. Unless your name is “Talula does the hula from Hawaii” (in which case, the New Zealand courts get involved).
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
