The Mystery of Biblical Names that Contain God
In this week’s Torah portion of Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10–32:3), Jacob fathers eleven of the twelve founders of the tribes of Israel. In order of birth, the sons are Reuben Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, and Joseph. The birth of Jacob’s twelfth son Binyomin is recorded in next week’s portion. After each son is born, the Torah explains the meaning of their names. For example, Yehuda means to “thank God” (Genesis 29:35). The Hebrew letters of Yehuda’s name co
Zalman Kravitz