Rabbi Howard Morrison

This week, we begin to read the book of Shmot. The title of the Parsha literally means "names." We are reminded of the names of Jacob's sons. We learn the names of Shifra, Puah, Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Amram, Yocheved, Tziporah, and others - Truly a portion of names.

While many of us know our Hebrew names, do we know if we are named for someone? Do we know the Hebrew names of our parents and grandparents? For whom they might have been named?

My Hebrew names are Avraham Tzvi. I am named for my maternal great grandfather, of blessed memory. My parents' names are Reuven and Chana Fruma.

It is said that we are known by the name given to us at birth, the name we acquire during our lifetime, and the name we are remembered by after we die.

In the Mishna, we are taught that the crown of a good name surpasses all else.

This week's parsha inspires us to reflect on the values and legacies embedded in our names.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison