Q&A: Strange Names, in My Opinion
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Strange Names, in My Opinion
Question
Amatlai daughter of Karnavo, the mother of Abraham our forefather, peace be upon him.
1. This seems like a strange name to me. Does it have any meaning? An explanation?
2. Is Karnavo the grandmother or the grandfather?
3. Why does the midrash write her name at all? Why is it so important?
Answer
I have no idea. Usually I don’t deal with aggadic midrashim; in general they don’t seem to me to be important and/or instructive.