Vayishlach 5780
Question: How do we understand the fact that the “person” asks Yaakov his name before changing it? Surely he knew who he was ahead of the “fight”?
Approach: Based on the fact that names are often given along with a reason (see especially all of the שבטים), it appears that a name is meant to be reflective of personality and individual traits. Seemingly then, the “man” cannot understand how the name of his opponent is יעקב - which would seem to imply a certain passivity and follower status - and hence the blessing is to amend the name to that with a meaning of leadership and power.
Approach: Based on the fact that names are often given along with a reason (see especially all of the שבטים), it appears that a name is meant to be reflective of personality and individual traits. Seemingly then, the “man” cannot understand how the name of his opponent is יעקב - which would seem to imply a certain passivity and follower status - and hence the blessing is to amend the name to that with a meaning of leadership and power.
Comments
Post a Comment