Narratives of the Jewish People
Where does the name Israel come from?The Jews are known as the People of Israel, ‘Am Yisrael’, but where does this idea come from and what does it mean? Below is the story of Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel after he wrestles with an angel. Our name, the people of Israel, literally means ‘He who wrestles with God’.
Questions
Why might this concept of wrestling with God be such a powerful concept for us to take on as our name and charge and how might this be resonant on Taglit?
Suggested Uses
This ‘wrestling-with-God’ idea can be used as a great way to bring people into the conversation who are atheist or agnostic, have questions or deep reservations as a way to let them know that these questions are, in fact, a core and valued trait of the Jewish people.
This can be a great teaching to use at the very beginning of the trip, a way to invite and encourage open questioning and active engagement with the material on the trip.
The very first time we, in this case that Israelites, are referred to as a people, is by the new Pharaoh, who determined that the Israelites were ‘other’ and distinct from Egyptians, and thus, dangerous.
Questions
What does it mean that our transition from a family, a tribe, to a people, is instigated (or at least named) by someone who wished us harm?
How has this been replayed in Jewish history and how does it impact how we see ourselves as a people today?
Suggested Uses
In or around a conversation about identity or peoplehood, cementing the conception of peoplehood as something that Jews have had since the Torah can be powerful. While several (including Israeli) academics have called into question the narrative of Jewish peoplehood, it is a concept with resonance beyond religion, ethnicity, or culture.