The Pesikta DeRav Kahana, a collection of Midrashic teachings, offers a glimpse into this radical transformation. It all starts with a verse from Isaiah: "For, like the earth, which gives forth its plants…" (Isaiah 61:11). R’ Pinchas and R’ Chilkiya, citing R’ Simon, use this image of the earth bursting with new life as a metaphor for the future blessings awaiting us. Imagine: just as the earth naturally brings forth new growth, so too will the Holy One bring forth goodness in our lives. It’s a promise of abundance and joy.
But it goes deeper than just personal blessings. R’ Levi raises a fascinating point about the very name of God. He notes that in this world, pronouncing the Shem HaMeforash, the explicit name of God, is forbidden, punishable even by death, as we read in Leviticus 24:16. But then he makes a startling comparison: in the world to come, he says, uttering the current name of Jerusalem will be similarly forbidden! Why? Because, as Isaiah 62:2 promises, "...and you shall be called a new name…"
This brings us to R’ Levi's list of six things that the Holy One will renew in the time to come. Think of it as the ultimate spiritual renovation project.
First, the heavens and the earth. We learn this from Isaiah 65:17: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…" A completely new reality!
Second, our hearts and spirits. Ezekiel 36:26 tells us, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit will I put within you…" Imagine shedding all the negativity and baggage, and receiving a heart filled with compassion and a spirit of resilience.
Third, the name of the Messiah. "May his name be forever; before the sun, his name will be magnified…" (Psalms 72:17). The Messiah’s very essence, embodied in his name, will be elevated and glorified.
And finally, the name of Jerusalem, as we’ve already seen. “…and you shall be called a new name…” (Isaiah 62:2).
But what's in a name? Everything, apparently. R’ Levi beautifully summarizes this idea of divine renaming. He says: happy is the city whose name is the same as that of her king and whose king’s name is the same as that of her God.
Where do we see this? Well, “…and the name of the city from that day will be ‘The Lord is There.’” (Ezekiel 48:35). The very name of the city reflects God's presence.
And whose king’s name is the same as that of her God? “…and this is his name that he shall be called, The Lord is our righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:6). The king, the Messiah, embodies divine justice.
So, what does all this mean for us? It's a reminder that change is possible. That renewal is not just a distant dream, but a promise woven into the fabric of our tradition. It's an invitation to shed our old selves, to embrace new possibilities, and to strive for a world where justice and righteousness reign. Perhaps, in our own small way, we can begin to create that new world, right here, right now. And maybe, just maybe, we can start by asking ourselves: what name are we being called to live up to?