The name “Israel” carries profound significance, reflecting both the identity and destiny of the Jewish people. Far from being just a geographic or political term, Israel encapsulates a spiritual and existential mission rooted in struggle, perseverance, and transformation.
The word “Israel” originates in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Genesis 32:29, where Jacob, the third patriarch of the Jewish people, is given a new name after wrestling with a divine being. The verse states, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with G‑d and with humans and have prevailed.” The Hebrew root of Israel, Yisrael, derives from Sarah (to strive or struggle) and El (G‑d), literally meaning “one who struggles with G‑d.”
This name defines not only Jacob but also the nation that descends from him—the Israelites, or the Jewish people. Jacob’s life was marked by constant challenges: he contended with his brother Esau, was deceived by his father-in-law Laban, and even wrestled with a mysterious angelic figure. Yet, through each struggle, he emerged stronger, earning the name Israel. This legacy of striving became the hallmark of the Jewish people.
What makes the name Israel particularly striking is its focus on the struggle itself rather than the victory. According to Jewish thought, as articulated by scholars like Rabbi Leibel Eiger in Torat Emet (Parshat Vayishlach), the essence of Israel lies in the act of grappling—with G‑d, with others, and with oneself. Judaism does not prioritize serenity, an afterlife, or a guaranteed happy ending. Instead, it celebrates the effort to pursue goodness, justice, and moral growth in the here and now, regardless of the outcome.
This ethos is reflected in the Jewish people’s history and the modern State of Israel. From ancient times through centuries of exile to the challenges of nationhood today, the Jewish people have faced adversity—external threats, internal debates, and spiritual questions. The name Israel embodies this resilience, a commitment to striving for a better world while wrestling with complex realities.
In essence, Israel is more than a place or a people; it is a mission. To be Israel is to embrace the struggle for truth, righteousness, and self-improvement, never accepting the world as it is but working tirelessly to make it what it could be.
Sources:
- Genesis 32:29.
- Torat Emet, Rabbi Leibel Eiger of Lublin, Parshat Vayishlach.
