If you are told that someone’s Hebrew name has been changed or that a Hebrew name was added to an individual’s name, try to find out if you can be helpful to them during a time that may very well be a time of need.

When told that a person’s name was changed, we may worry about their health and consider how we might be helpful to them though we might be missing the meaning of the change in name. The new name may very well lead to a significant alteration to that individual’s destiny.

To gain a greater appreciation of the importance of a name and the potential impact of a change to that name, read this enlightening analysis entitled “What’s in a Name?—a Change of Destiny” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Lech Lecha 5776-2015. Out of respect for Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.