{"id":71511,"date":"2023-01-20T07:12:03","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T12:12:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/?p=71511"},"modified":"2023-01-20T07:12:03","modified_gmt":"2023-01-20T12:12:03","slug":"off-the-pulpit-whats-in-a-name","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/off-the-pulpit-whats-in-a-name\/","title":{"rendered":"Off the Pulpit: What’s in a name?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE<\/p>\n

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Many interpretations have been offered concerning God\u2019s name. What is not so often noticed is that, having asked for God\u2019s name — Moses never repeats it to the Israelites. <\/p>\n

Why does Moses ask? He has been surrounded by inconstancy in his life. He is born under the sign of death. He grows up in Pharaoh\u2019s palace but has to flee. He has no true home. What Moses needs to know is that God will not abandon him. He is not asking for the sake of the Israelites as much as for his own sake. God reassures him — I am that I am. What I am today I will be tomorrow, and next year, into eternity.<\/p>\n

Moses pleads for constancy. At the outset of his mission, God promises faithfulness to God\u2019s singular servant.<\/p>\n

Rabbi David Wolpe is the senior rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.<\/em><\/p>\n

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