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 Names play a significant role in Jewish thought. A cursory glance at the names given to the twelve tribes signifies the importance of each name. Noach, Moshe, and Yitzchak had their names chosen to commemorate events surrounding their births. And of course the Torah records many instances where a name was changed, signifying a change in the status of the person. Of our three patriarchs, Abraham and Yaakov both had their names changed by G-d. Only Yitzchak remained Yitzchak his entire life. While both Abraham and Yaakov had their names changed there is a significant difference between their new names. By Abraham one letter, heh , was added to Abram to confer upon him his new identity as "the father of a horde of nations" (17:5). Yaakov on the other hand, received a totally new name, Yisrael. Furthermore once Abraham received his new name we are commanded that "no longer shall you be called Abram" (22:5). Yet though the Torah tells us that your "name Yaakov you will not be called any more" (35:10) Yaakov's name is used interchangeably with his new name Yisrael.
An analysis of the lives of our patriarchs will shed light on the variants in the names of our founding fathers. Abraham's life was dedicated to the spreading of the name of G-d and the message of ethical monotheism. From this goal he never wavered and all events in his life relate to this theme. When we first meet Abraham he has already recognized the master of the universe. With that initial transformation of Abraham complete, his remaining years, those described in the Torah, are manifestations of teaching the world about G-d, justice and righteousness. Just prior to the mitzvah of Brit milah G-d makes a token change to Abram's name signifying the physical change that will be the norm for every Jewish male child. Yitzchak spent his life copying the ways of his father. He recognized that Abraham's radical new teachings needed a generation to solidify. He dug the same wells lived in the same places as his father. This lack of change from one generation to the next is symbolized by having Yitzchak's name remaining constant throughout his life. It was the generation of Yaakov, Yisrael where the history of the Jewish people was finally assured. All of his 13 children remained within the Jewish fold something, which can not be said for either his parents or grandparents. It was Yaakov and his children who initiated the Egyptian exile, which was a necessary precondition for the maturation and development of the Jewish people. It is not a coincidence that we are known as Bnei Yisroel.
The names Yaakov and Yisrael are practically contradictory and represent different aspects of the father of Bnei Yisroel . Yaakov coming from the word heel, represents his lowly state, his problems with his brother, his being taken advantage of by his uncle, even his children deceiving him. At every stage of life there was somebody to step all over, and to take advantage of him. The name Yisrael on the other hand, was given to him because "you have become great before G-d and man. You have won." (32:29). Despite his trials and tribulations, despite the fact that "the days of my life have been few and hard" (47:9) Yaakov truly did win. He became the man of integrity; "give truth to Jacob" who succeeded despite numerous setbacks to raise the twelve tribes of Israel . He no longer was a heel, an ekev , to be stepped on but was the prince of G-d sar el.
Significantly Yaakov's name change to Yisrael only came about after a struggle through the night with a stranger whose name he did not even know. Growth, becoming a servant of G-d, is only possible if we struggle and meet the challenges of the world head on. Yet one, despite being chosen for a great mission, despite ones' defeating all enemies must never forget where one comes from. Too often people who have made a "success" of their life forgets their roots, their humble beginnings and their obligation to help those who are still downtrodden. Perhaps for this reason the Torah continues to use the name Yaakov interchangeably with Yisrael. The greatness of Yisrael is that he never forgot that he was born Yaakov. Yes, like Yaakov, the struggle may slightly cripple us but this is the only way to "become great before G-d and man." We may not even win every battle but by continuing to struggle to do what is right we take our rightful place as Bnei Yisroel. Shabbat Shalom !
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