Torah Portion Shemot – What’s in a Name?
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Torah: Exodus 1:1-6:1
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; Isaiah 29:22-23
Besorah: John 6:1-15
Tevet 18, 5785 | January 18, 2025
Shalom friends!
This week, we begin the second book of the Torah, Shemot, which means “names”. It’s no coincidence that this book, which tells the story of Israel’s redemption from slavery, begins with a focus on names. Names in the Bible carry deep significance—they reveal identity, purpose, and God’s calling.
Through the Torah, Haftarah, and Besorah, we’ll explore how names are more than labels—they’re reminders of God’s presence, His promises, and our role in His plans. Let’s dig into the richness of this week’s readings and discover what God might be saying to us about our identity and calling.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Shemot (Exodus 1:1–6:1)
Understanding the Portion
The Torah portion (and the book of Exodus) Shemot opens with a genealogy, listing the names of Jacob’s descendants who came to Egypt. But as the narrative progresses, the tone shifts dramatically. A new Pharaoh, who does not remember Joseph, enslaves the Israelites. Yet even in the midst of suffering, God is at work, preparing to fulfill His covenant promises.
The Courage of the Midwives:
Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all male Hebrew babies. Their refusal to obey him highlights their deep fear of God and unwavering commitment to righteousness. Because of their courage, many lives are saved, and God blesses them with households of their own (Exodus 1:20-21).
Lesson for Us: Standing for God often requires courage. Like Shiphrah and Puah, we’re called to trust God’s sovereignty even when obedience comes at a cost.
Moses’ Birth and Rescue:
Moses’ birth is a story of providence. Placed in a basket (teivah), he’s drawn from the Nile by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in Pharaoh’s household. This narrative is rich with divine irony: the one destined to deliver Israel is nurtured in the very palace of the oppressor.
Lesson for Us: Moses’ name means “drawn out,” pointing to his role in drawing Israel out of slavery. How is God “drawing you out” for His purposes?
The Burning Bush:
God reveals Himself to Moses in the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When Moses asks for His name, God replies, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (I Am Who I Am). This name reveals God’s eternal, unchanging nature and assures Moses of His presence and power.
Lesson for Us: God calls each of us into His plans, not because we are perfect but because He is faithful. Are you willing to trust His name and step into your calling?
A Little Nugget: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh
The name Ehyeh teaches us that God is timeless and constant. Interestingly, Ehyeh is in the imperfect tense, implying “I will be who I will be.” This reminds us that God’s presence is active and ongoing in every moment of our lives. He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in our story.
Application
God’s name invites us to trust in His eternal faithfulness. Are you in a season of uncertainty? Take heart—He is with you, working in ways you may not yet see.
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23
Understanding the Portion
The Haftarah focuses on God’s promise of redemption for Israel. Isaiah paints a picture of restoration, where Israel will be a fruitful vine, filling the world with blessings. Yet, this redemption comes with judgment, as God refines His people to remove their idolatry and sin.
Israel as a Fruitful Vine:
Isaiah 27:6 proclaims that Israel will “blossom and sprout” and fill the world with fruit. This imagery reflects God’s covenant blessings and His plan for Israel to be a light to the nations.
Judgment and Refinement:
In Isaiah 28:13, the prophet warns of the consequences of rejecting God’s word. Yet, even in judgment, God’s goal is to purify His people and bring them back to Him.
Sanctifying God’s Name:
Isaiah 29:22-23 promises a day when Jacob’s descendants will sanctify God’s name. This theme of Kiddush HaShem (sanctifying God’s name) is central to Jewish thought and emphasizes the importance of reflecting God’s holiness through our actions.
Lesson for Us: How can you live in a way that reflects God’s holiness? This week, consider how your words and actions can honor God’s name and point others to Him.
A Little Nugget: The Cornerstone
The cornerstone in Isaiah 28:16 represents strength, stability, and unity. In Jewish tradition, the cornerstone is often linked to the Messiah. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98b) connects this imagery to the anticipated redeemer who brings restoration and hope. Yeshua fulfills this promise, becoming the foundation upon which our faith is built.
Application
Isaiah challenges us to build our lives on God’s unshakable foundation. Are there areas in your life where you’ve relied on temporary or unstable sources of security? This week, let’s refocus on God as our cornerstone.

Besorah: John 6:1–15
Understanding the Portion
In the Besorah, we read the miraculous account of Yeshua feeding the 5,000. This event not only demonstrates His compassion but also reveals His identity as the Bread of Life.
The Miracle of Multiplication:
Yeshua takes five loaves and two fish, blesses them, and distributes them to the crowd. Everyone is fed, with twelve baskets of leftovers—a sign of God’s abundant provision.
Yeshua’s Identity:
The crowd recognizes Yeshua as “the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14), linking Him to the promises of the Torah. This moment underscores His role as the one who fulfills God’s covenant promises.
Spiritual Nourishment:
Later in this chapter, Yeshua declares, “I am the bread of life.” Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Yeshua provides spiritual sustenance for those who follow Him.
Lesson for Us: Where do you need God’s provision in your life? Trust Him to meet your needs, and be willing to share what you have with others, knowing He can multiply even the smallest offering.
A Little Nugget: Bread as Provision
Bread is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing God’s provision. From the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) to Yeshua’s declaration in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life,” bread reminds us of our dependence on God.
Jewish tradition also highlights the sanctity of bread; every Shabbat meal begins with the blessing over the challah: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, who brings forth bread from the earth.”
Application
Just as Yeshua provided physical nourishment for the crowd, He offers spiritual sustenance to us today. Are you seeking fulfillment in temporary things, or are you letting Him satisfy your deepest needs?
Connecting the Portions: What’s in a Name?
From the courage of Shiphrah and Puah to God’s revelation of His name to Moses, and from Isaiah’s vision of Israel sanctifying God’s name to Yeshua’s provision for the crowd, this week’s readings remind us of the power of names. God’s name reflects His character, faithfulness, and covenant promises.
In the Torah, God calls Moses by name and reveals His own name, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, to assure His people of His presence. In Isaiah, the sanctification of God’s name is tied to Israel’s restoration. In the Besorah, Yeshua’s name, which means “salvation,” points to His mission to redeem us.
Reflection: God knows each of us by name and calls us to reflect His name in the world. How is He calling you to live out your identity and purpose this week?
Shabbat Shalom and Shavua Tov! 🌟
Reflection Questions
- How does God’s revelation of His name to Moses deepen your understanding of His character?
- The midwives stood up for righteousness. How can you act courageously for God’s purposes this week?
- Yeshua’s feeding of the 5,000 demonstrates God’s provision. Where in your life do you need to trust God’s abundance?
- Isaiah speaks of sanctifying God’s name. How can your actions reflect His holiness?
- What does your name—literal or spiritual—reveal about your identity in God?
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Kaf (כ, ך)
This week, let’s explore the eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Kaf (כ). This letter carries profound spiritual meanings and appears in various forms in the Torah. By understanding its shape, sound, and symbolism, we can gain deeper insights into its significance in Scripture.
The Basics of Kaf (כ, ך):
- Sound: Kaf is pronounced like the English “K” as in “king.” When it appears without a dagesh (a dot inside the letter), it is pronounced as “Kh,” similar to the guttural sound in “Bach.”
- Numerical Value: The numerical value of Kaf is 20, symbolizing the fullness of divine order and cycles.
- Final Form: Kaf has a special form called Kaf Sofit (ך), which is used when it appears at the end of a word.
How Kaf Is Written:
כ, ך
- Shape of Kaf (כ): Its curved shape resembles an open palm or a hand, symbolizing the act of giving, receiving, or covering.
- Final Form (ך): The straightened version of Kaf Sofit represents a hand extended downward, reaching out to others in compassion or guidance. This form is used at the end of a word.
Spiritual Meaning of Kaf:
- The Palm of the Hand: In Hebrew, the word kaf means “palm,” and the letter’s shape reflects this. It symbolizes the open hand, representing generosity, blessings, and the act of giving or receiving.
- Scriptural Connection: Psalm 145:16 says, “You open Your hand (kaf) and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” This verse highlights God’s provision and care for all creation.
- Humility and Submission: Kaf is associated with bending or bowing, representing humility and submission to God. Its shape can be seen as a person bowing in prayer or reverence.
- Scriptural Connection: In Exodus 33:22, God places Moses in the cleft of the rock and covers him with His hand (kaf) as His glory passes by. This image reflects God’s protection and intimacy.
- Crowning Achievement: The word Keter (כֶּתֶר), meaning “crown,” begins with Kaf. This reflects the idea of reaching higher levels of holiness or achieving spiritual purpose.
Kaf in God’s Name and Blessings:
- The name El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי), one of God’s titles, contains the letter Kaf, emphasizing His power and sufficiency.
- During blessings, the open hand symbolizes receiving from God and extending blessings to others.
Application: The Open Hand
Kaf invites us to reflect on how we approach God and others. Are our hands open to give and receive? Are we humbling ourselves before God, ready to accept His guidance and share His blessings?
This week, let Kaf remind you to practice generosity, humility, and trust in God’s provision. Whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or quiet reflection, let your “open hand” bring glory to Him.
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For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.