Friday, Mar-Cheshvan 7, 5778 / October 27, 2017

At the end of this week's Parsha, Lech Lecha, the Torah tells us that when Abraham was ninety nine years old, G-d appeared to him and said, “I am G-d Al-mighty; walk before Me and be whole-hearted.  And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”

Then G-d changes his name from “Avram” to “Avraham” (Abraham) - adding the letter Hay to his name.  His wife's name was also changed from, “Sarai” to “Sarah – changing the letter Yud for a Hay.

The purpose for the change was in order that they should be able to give birth to Yitzchak, as with their original names, they were not able to be blessed with their son, Yitzchak. 

Q.   What is the significance of a name? 

A.   In Genesis (2:19), the Torah tells us that G-d brought the animals and birds to Adam, "to see what he will call them; and whatever Adam would call them that was to be their name." According to our sages one's Hebrew name is very significant. Through the letters of one's name G-d funnels His blessings to that individual.

This is the reason why, when one is critically ill, many times a name will be added.  Usually, a name which has to do with healing and life, is added, such as Chaim, Chaya (life), Rafael (angel of healing).

When one is sick, we recite the Mi Shebeirach prayer in which the person's Hebrew name and mother's Hebrew name is mentioned.  When calling up someone to the Torah, the person's Hebrew name and father's name is announced. It is very important to know one’s Hebrew name. Children should be called by their Hebrew names.

Our sages tell us that when parents name their child, G-d gives the parents a form of prophecy so they will choose the proper name which will serve as a channel for G-d’s blessings.

The number of Hebrew letters comprising the names of our patriarchs and matriarchs add up to 26. (Abraham (5), Isaac (4) and Jacob (4); Sarah (3), Rivkah (4), Rachel (3) and Leah (3), totaling 26, just as the numerical value of the four letters of G-d's name (10+5+6+5), which totals 26!   

According to our sages, when naming a child, one should be careful to name after a good and righteous person. What’s in a Hebrew name? More than just a name...

Our sages say that one of the merits for which Jews were redeemed from Egypt, is that they didn't change their Hebrew names. Our Hebrew name is an integral part of our Jewish identity and we must cherish it as such.

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 5:30 / Shabbat ends: 6:32