Pirkei Avot 2:8 : "He who acquires a good name, has acquired himself something indeed."
Interpreted by Fred Shessel
What is in a name? To Shakespeare, a name was a mere appellation, a label. “A rose by another name would smell as sweet” (1). In our tradition a name is all-powerful. He who knows your true name has power over you. Hence, the true name of the Lord is never even spelled. In medieval times a name might represent your occupation: John (the) Miller. It might even indicate your familial ties: Ben John(s) son. So, what is in a name?
Surely our sages meant “name” in the sense of reputation. How friends, family, and the wider community consider one. The conundrum of reputation, however, is that it is defined by others and not by ourselves. If it is true that “perception is reality”, (2) then it is how one is perceived, not one’s true character, that determines reputation. Particularly in age of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, perceptions can be easily distorted. Consider cyberbullying. Or consider the Brad Paisley song “Online”:
I work down at the pizza pit And I drive an old Hyundai I still live with my Mom and Dad I’m 5’3” and overweight.
….online I’m out in Hollywood I’m 6’5” and look damn good. I drive a Maserati I’m a Black Belt in Karate And I love a good glass of wine.
What then, is a good name and how is it acquired? A deontologist might suggest that one develop a moral code and live in strict accordance with it. In this sense, the truth will always win out and one’s name will be an accurate reflection of one’s character. I believe a better answer is to live a life that brings one closer to God. Knowing what God asks of us and attempting to fulfill that request leads to a life beyond reproach.
Ultimately, let us pray that our name represents the goodness we give into the world
(1) Shakespeare, Rome and Juliet Act II Scene II (2) Steve Young
Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al sefirat ha’Omer. Blessed are You Adonai, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to count the Omer.
Today is the 48th day, which is 6 weeks and 6 days of the Omer.
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