There are a lot of names in this week's parasha and some glaring lacks of names.
Why does this Sefer begin with repeating the names of the sons of Ya'akov? We know who they are. This sefer is not about them, it is about their descendants and about the birth of a nation (another reference)?
Why are Shifra and Puah--whom the Midrash identify as Yocheved and Miriam--not identified as such? Rashi explains that their names reflect their actions. (see Rashi on that pasuk.) But Ibn Ezra says that they were Egyptian women. So why do we need their names?
Why are Yocheved and Amram--Moshe's parents--not named in the beginning of Perek Bet? Rather, they are referred to as "Ish mi'Beit Levi" and "Bat Levi". They are only named much later.
Why don't we know the name that Moshe was given by his parents? A big deal is make about Moshe's birth, his being hidden, his being rescued by Bat Par'oh. Isn't it odd that we don't know his name? Especially in light of how Sefer B'reishit makes a big deal out of "va'tahar, va'teiled, va'tikra shemo..."?
Additionally, if (according to the Ibn Ezra) we know the names of the two Egyptian midwives who defied Par'oh, shouldn't the Torah mention the name of the woman who rescued (and helped to raise) and NAMED Moshe?
We don't even know WHERE the mar'eh ha'sneh, perhaps the pivotal event of the parasha, occurs. We only know that it is in the desert and on a mountain.
On the one hand, names are very important in Judaism. The Gemara teaches us that when a child is named, Hashem has (k'v'yachol) whispered it into the parents' ears and the child's name helps shape its destiny. Every name in the Tanach--person or place--has meaning. A name can even be considered an "ot" (a sigh) to prove the legitimacy of a nevu'ah. On the other hand, we see from this parasha that many names of very important people are left out. It is their ACTIONS that forge their identity and leave the lasting impression of them.
What are your thoughts?
Shabbat Shalom
Mrs. Leah Herzog
