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It has also been pointed out, espe- cially by students of Hebrew gram- mar, that the word "Moshe" doesn't actually mean "drawn out" — that would be mashui, a passive form of ur Torah portion is called the verb. Again, the sages teach that Shemot "Names," after the pharaoh's daughter was not only opening verse: "These are compassionate but wise and instruc- the names of the sons of tive as well. She deliberately chose Israel who came to Egypt with his name to project for him an Jacob." In English, the book active role in the life of his is known by one of the people, not to be remem- major events contained in bered only as the recipient the narrative — Exodus. of someone else's good The Plaut commentary deed. The name "Moshe" summarizes an insight by challenged him and set the Benno Jacob, who wrote tone for his formative that there is a new distinc- experiences. His character tion here in the use of the and identity combined to phrase "the names of the save others and bring them sons of Israel" as compared out. He would be the one to the first book's familiar, RABBI who would be remem- "These are the lines bered. NORMAN T. (toledot) of Jacob." Israel's So it is Moses, not ROMAN sons have to mature and Mashui, who defends his Special to the acquire their own names in fellow Jews against an Jewish News order to merit and acquire Egyptian taskmaster and their inheritance. later intervenes when two It happens that the lesson about slaves are fighting; he protects the names in our sedra doesn't end with daughters of Jethro at their well and the first verse; for in Chapter 2, is merciful to a little lamb at the when we are introduced to the story mountain of God. He is chosen and of Moses, we are presented with named to be the shepherd of the another insight: The pharaoh's Israelites and to lead the people daughter "named him Moses, toward their promised land with love. explaining, 'I drew him out of the Just as Jacob's sons had to earn water.'" The rabbis in the Midrash the merit of being individuals and ask why the greatest leader of Israel leaders of their tribes, so does Moses would retain his Egyptian name; and demonstrate the importance of hav- they answer, "God said to Moses, ing one's name and reputation `Of all the names you have been reflect the miracles and stories that given, I will only call you by the one accompany his birth. ❑ chosen by Bitya, pharaoh's daugh- ter.'" For according to tradition, Moses did have other names. Some say the name given him by his mother, What is the meaning of your Yocheved, was Toy ("good"), and name? Why was it chosen for (or 4 others say that it was Tovia ("God is by) you? If you were given a good"). One source even states that name to memorialize someone, he was given 10 different names, which values and characteristics possibly to confuse the Egyptians. of that person's life have been Only the name given him by Bitya confirmed through your life? The was kept in the Torah. Talmud says that each of us actu- 4 Another midrashic source explains ally bears three names: the one that we learn from this insight the given us by our parents, the one importance of deeds of love and we earn in our daily lives, and kindness. We eternally remember the one we choose for ourselves Bitya whenever Moses' name is men- in our own Book of Life. Which tioned, for she defied her father's of these seems the most appro- Shabbat Shemot: Exodus I:I-6:1; Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23. O Conversations 14 41 4 • • • • • Valued Above All Is A Good Name 547-9669 Norman T. Roman is rabbi of Temple Kol Ami. priate for you?