Shemot (Names)
CARLSBAD, California — This week’s portion is titled, “Shemot,” which translates as, “Names.” It is the first portion in the second book of the Torah, the Book of Exodus. The name of a portion is always indicative of its content and the same thing goes as far as the name of one of the Books of the Torah. In this case we can therefore assume that the theme of the entire book is hinted at in its name, which incidentally is, “Names.”
Of course we all can understand that the name Exodus makes a lot of sense relative to the content of this book, as the story of the exile and redemption from the Egyptian slavery are detailed – particularly in the first few portions. But how is the theme of names demonstrated?
The great classical commentary Rashi begins his explanation of the portion by teaching that although we were already told the names of the Children of Israel who relocated to Egypt in the final portion of the book of Genesis, nonetheless the Torah repeats the names now to demonstrate G-d’s great love of the Tribes. When someone is very dear his/her name is often repeated. The Midrash relates that the Tribes were compared to stars, which are taken out and called by name by the Almighty.
It turns out that the names assigned to us by our parents are mirrors into our souls. They are not merely superficial garments, but instead are indicative of our essence. In fact, our names touch our essence, as is evidenced that when calling one’s name can even help revive someone who has passed out. This is especially true when speaking about the Tribes of Israel whose names are explained in the Torah. Their parents were extraordinary people who were blessed with Divine Inspiration. Our tradition tells us that our parents were also given a measure of Divine Inspiration when they named us!
When the Jewish people moved to Egypt they were installed in a fine area known as Goshen. They were under the protection and patronage of the righteous Joseph, who was Viceroy of Egypt. But things changed after the last of the Tribes passed away. Pharaoh enslaved the Jews and gave them back-breaking labor. By then the Egyptian culture had already managed to infiltrate the Jewish people. Many Jews embraced all things Egypt with a couple of notable exceptions.
We are taught that the Jewish people kept their Jewish names, and it was partly due to this loyalty to their essential identity that they merited to be redeemed from servitude and triumphantly led out to freedom – ultimately leading to receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai.
It is this idea that also helps us understand why the Egyptian exile was necessary to begin with. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory, explains that the exile was meant to bring out the best in our people. When we are tested and have to overcome difficulties we reach inwardly and grasp onto our most profound inner strength. We hone our skills and sharpen our convictions. This combination is meant to bring out the best in us. The lower we go the higher we ultimately will reach, which I call, “The Springboard Effect.” Interestingly, we now understand that our names reflect this inner essence, this inner strength.
The takeaway for us, during these dark days of the final exile, is for us to get in touch with our essence. We should proudly wear our Judaism ‘on our sleeves,’ and use our Jewish names. We should be mindful that G-d loves us – more intensely than words can adequately describe – and that is why we must go through the exile experience. Yes, it is for our good. The more strongly we hold onto our Jewish identity, the quicker we will achieve the purpose of everything, which is the immediate arrival of our righteous Moshiach!
Wishing everyone a happy and HEALTHY Shabbos!
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort is Director of Coastal Chabads and Chabad at La Costa. Rabbi Eilfort welcomes readers’ comments and questions and may be reached at RabbiE@ChabadatLaCosta.com.