Israel: A Name of Eternal Nobility

Since ancient times, the name "Israel" has formed a deep declaration about Judaism's highest aspirations. "Israel" is far more than just a name. It is a mission. A badge of honor.

But what does the name Israel really mean?

Israel is a name of nobility and strength. The Torah tells us: “For you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” The name Israel was not given to a nation in hiding or as they fled from an enemy, but to a man who stood his ground, Jacob, our forefather, who wrestled with an angel and didn’t yield.

Jacob was no weakling to begin with. Jacob had the physical strength to roll the stone off a well, a task that normally required the combined strength of all the local shepherds. But when faced with an angel, brute strength was irrelevant. What mattered was internal conviction.

Jacob remembered Hashem’s promise: “Behold, I am with you.” That faith gave him the courage to stand firm. And for that, he earned a new name, Israel, which means one who contends with the Divine and prevails. It is a name of royalty. A name that endows eternal dignity.

The Power of a Name

From that moment, every Jew inherited a legacy: You are a prince. You are capable of standing against angels and men alike.

This name was not meant for history books. It is meant for every generation. It’s a calling card of courage, a symbol of self-worth, and a source of unshakable identity.

No matter the trial, be it physical danger, societal pressure, or ideological opposition, bearing the name Israel means never giving in. It means knowing that Hashem is with you, and this understanding gives you the power to withstand anything.

For this reason, every Jew must remember where they come from. To live up to the name Israel is to carry oneself with self-respect, to be conscious of one’s inner greatness, and to rise above the distractions and discouragements that surround us.

Facing the Fire, Standing Unshaken

History is filled with moments where Jews were tested beyond imagination and still did not break.

During the brutal days of the Spanish Inquisition, Jews were offered what seemed to be “compassion”: Kiss the cross, and you’ll be spared the flames. The so-called merciful offer was simple. Burn slowly to death, or convert and be executed quickly.

But the children of Israel, descendants of Jacob, did not yield.

They stood on the pyre, wrapped in the strength of their identity. They refused to betray their name, even when iron combs tore their flesh or flames licked at their skin. Because they knew: I am a Jew. I am a prince of God. And I will not surrender.

Even assimilation was once rare. Jews didn’t mimic their neighbors; they didn’t crave acceptance through erasure. The masses lived with courage and clarity. Their self-worth was rooted in their Divine identity.

Self-Esteem in an Age of Skepticism

Today, questions about self-esteem are more common than ever. People constantly seek confidence, identity, and purpose. The answer, for the Jew, has always been the same: “I am part of Hashem’s people.”

That awareness is the foundation of real self-confidence. Hiding one's Jewish identity among non-Jews and downplaying our Jewishness is not an outgrowth of modesty or humility. It stems from not knowing what the name "Israel" really means.

Once a Jew understands “Who chose us from all nations and exalted us above all languages,” they will realize: there is no greater source of pride.

From Jews to 'Zhids': The Tragic Shift

So, when did this inner conviction begin to fade?

It began with forgetfulness. With the rise of Moses Mendelssohn and the Enlightenment, Jews in Germany, France, and England saw material prosperity and cultural tolerance rise. But as Torah study declined, so did their spiritual identity.

Germany had once been a center of Torah. But as Jews turned away from it and gained wealth and importance, Jewish self-esteem began to erode. Jews no longer lived like Jews. They became ‘Zhids.’

They forgot their name.

The Way Back: Reclaiming the Name 'Israel'

The solution is not political. It’s not social. It’s spiritual.

We must return to our name.

The name Israel carries within it every ounce of strength, pride, and purpose that we need. The Torah, Talmud, Midrashim, and all Jewish texts revolve around this core: Know who you are.

When Jews live lives steeped in Torah, they have the confidence to face anything. The weakening of Torah and the rising cultural dominance of non-Jews brought assimilation, confusion, and self-erasure.

But there is a way back. And it begins with remembering the power of our name.

A Name That Never Dies

The name Israel is a blueprint for Jewish greatness. It means we are noble. We are strong. We are forever linked to Hashem.

It’s not just a name. It’s a mission.

In a world still full of opposition, confusion, and doubt, this name is still our greatest weapon.

Remember who you are. You are a child of Israel.