Why Sarai Became Sarah and the Split Letter Yod

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 17:15

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"You shall not call her name Sarai." Because "Sarai" implies [that she is a princess] to her own nation alone, but "you shall not call her name [Sarai] but Sarah" implies [a princess] to the whole entire world. And concerning her it is said, "A woman of valor is the crown of her husband" (Proverbs 12:4). And the yod that was taken from "Sarai" was divided between the two heh's: the one for Sarah, and the second for Abraham.

Themes

CovenantMatriarchsKingsRoyaltyCreation

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Asarah Perakim LeRamchalMatriarchs of the CovenantThis isn't some physical being, of course, but a powerful emanation. MAH’s job? To sift through the wreckage, the shattered pieces of the kelim (vessels) from tMidrash TehillimIsrael as God's Vine in Psalm 80Psalm 80, a cry from the heart of ancient Israel, echoes that very feeling. But what does it truly mean to ask God to "restore us" and "let your face shine uponTargum JonathanOg Survived the Flood by Riding on Top of the ArkGenesis 14 is a war chapter, four kings against five, a battle in the Valley of Siddim, Lot taken captive, Abraham riding to the rescue. The Hebrew text is sparBereshit RabbahThe Deep Meaning Hidden in the Name IsaacTake the name ISAAC, Yitzḥak in Hebrew. It's so much more than just a name. (Genesis 21:3) tells us, "Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whBook of JubileesThe Promise of a Son to Abraham and SarahIt's explored in fascinating detail in texts like the Book of Jubilees. It's not part of the Hebrew Bible canon, but it was clearly important to certain Jewish Book of JubileesAbraham Falls on His Face Laughing at the PromiseA reader can skim over those verses in Genesis, but the Book of Jubilees gives us a peek into his immediate reaction. the verse says, “And Abraham fell on his f