Rabbi Howard Morrison

Our new book of the Torah and its opening Parsha are called Shmot, names. While the title draws itself from the names of Jacob's children, mentioned at the outset of the Parsha, we are truly introduced to a large menu of names. What's in a name?

Pharaoh - The same as before or a new leader? Either way, he chose not to remember the kindnesses performed by Joseph and initiated the first national anti-Semitism against our people.

Daughter of Pharaoh - not given a name in the Parsha. Her act of kindness in taking in a Hebrew baby is as anonymous and unassuming as the lack of a given name for her. Later Jewish tradition calls her Bithia, daughter of God.

Moshe - "For I have drawn him from the water." He will draw his people from slavery to freedom

Miriam - Mistress of the sea. She will be identified with miracles around water, starting with watching her baby brother float down the Nile in a basket.

Aharon - Teaching or Singing. An allusion to his later role as Kohen Gadol and Temple officiant.

Shifra and Puah - The midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh's edicts. Hebrew midwives? Or Egyptian midwives who cared for Hebrews? Yocheved and Miriam? Righteous gentiles? Shifrah - one who beautifies. Puah - One who 'poos' over the children.

Amram and Yocheved - the parents of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam

Tziporah - Wife to Moses. She circumcises their son.

Yitro - father-in-law to Moses. Became Sage advisor.

God - Ehyeh asher Ehyeh - I am that I am. A perpetual presence

And others

What is your name? Are you named for someone? What does your name mean?

So, What's in a name - A lot!