Q&A: Choosing Names Among the Jewish People
Choosing Names Among the Jewish People
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi,
I have a question regarding the names commonly used among the Jewish people.
Avoid evil:
Why are names such as Ishmael or Saul used?
In these cases, we are talking about figures who were not exactly the most positive.
Do good:
Why are there no names in the Mishnah such as Abraham or Moses?
Thank you very much, and have a good day,
Alon Charni
Answer
First, there is an opinion that Ishmael repented at the end of his life (I once saw a pilpul by Rabbi Jonathan Eybeschutz explaining why there is a tanna called Rabbi Ishmael, and he connects it to the opinion that Ishmael repented). Second, it is not clear whether we accept that a name has a causal influence (as in the Talmud, Berakhot 6). And third, because people do not always do the right thing.