A Name Reflects Character

Parshat Vayikra

by Rabbi Avi Billet

The third book of the Torah begins with Moshe being called by God from the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting, a.k.a the Mishkan/Tabernacle). While for us readers it is not unique for Moshe to be called, there is something strikingly odd about Moshe being the only one who is called.

Were there no other prophets? Were there no other people worthy of being present in the Ohel Moed? Why is Moshe alone the one who is called?

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba 1:1,3) seeks to create an image for us of who this man Moshe is and why his unique experience is different from everyone else.

In the Torah and in the Exodus narrative, there are a number of times when Moshe is compared to an angel. When God referred to the angel who took the Jews out of Egypt in Bamidbar 20, for example, the reference is obviously to Moshe.

Rabbi Tanchum is quoted in the Midrash as saying "It is the way of the world that a burden which is difficult for one person to carry can be more easily carried by two; one which is difficult for two people will be much easier for four people, and so on. Or perhaps, a burden that is difficult for 600,000 adult males would be very easy for one. This is indeed the case because the people said in Devarim 5:22 that "should we continue to hear His voice, we will die." Whereas Moshe had no such problem.

Who is this man Moshe? What about him, aside from his appointment as leader, makes us understand him to be a naturally special person?

In this time of year, pre Pesach, there is a lot of talk and focus on the beginning of the story of the exodus – particularly from the birth of the baby we call Moshe. But the funny thing is, he was never "baby Moshe!" The name "Moshe" was given to him only upon his return to Pharaoh's daughter, who had found him and spared his life when she found the basket he occupied, after having spent his "nursing years" with his real mother.

So what was his name until he became known as Moshe? The Midrash on our parsha continues its narrative listing all of Moshe's names, and the qualities each name either exhibited or represented in the personality of the person who became the model leader of Israel of all time.

He had ten names: Yered, Chever, Yekutiel, Avigdor, Avi Socho,  Avi Zanoach, Toviah, Shmaya ben Netanel, Hasofer, Halevi. Each name is derived from a different verse in the Bible or just a summary of his experience (see the midrash).

"Yered"  (Divrei Hayamim I 4:18) comes from the word to bring down, and it was either his name because he brought the Torah down from Sinai, or because he brought the divine presence down, to rest amongst the people. Rabbi Simone says the word "Yered" refers to the act of ruling (based on Kings I:4). It also comes from the word meaning to "rebel." His adopted mother allowed him to survive because she rebelled against her father's wishes.

"Avigdor" – because the Israelite nation had many shepherds, and he was the 'father' of them all.

"Chever" – because he linked ('chiber') the children to their father in heaven.

"Avi Socho" – because he was the father of the prophets ('soch' means to delve in prophesy).

"Yekutiel" – he made the sons yearn for their father in heaven (kaveh)

"Avi Zanoach" – he was the father of those who discouraged everyone to pursue idolatry.

"Toviah" – because when he was born, they saw he was good (Tov).

"Shmaya" - because God heard his prayers.

"Ben Netanel" – he was the son who received the Torah from God, from hand to hand.

"Hasofer" – because he was the scribe (or "counter") of Israel..

"Halevi" – because he was a Levite

Our parsha begins with God "Calling Moshe" because God said, "Of all your names, I will call you by the name the daughter of Pharaoh gave you." In a fitting tribute, the midrash says, God told Pharaoh's daughter, "Moshe was not your son, and yet you considered him your son. So too, you are not My daughter, and yet you are called Batya – My daughter [lit. "daughter of God"]."

Every person carries different names, nicknames, roles, and titles in our lifetimes. Son, Father, Grandfather, Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Brother, Sister, Employee, Boss, Neighbor, Friend

May we all find the name that fits us best, that reflects most accurately and fully who we are. And even if that name comes upon us from the most remote individual or experience, may it serve to indicate to all who encounter us what the essence of our soul really is.