What does “Israel” mean?

Question

Hi Rabbi, what does the word Israel mean, or is it just a name? Thanks!

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The Torah relates that when Jacob wrestled with the angel, see Genesis 32, and overcame him the angel proclaimed that Jacob would be called “Israel” because “you have striven with the Divine” (see ibid. 20). The word “Israel” – Yisrael  in Hebrew – originates from the root-word meaning “to prevail”.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team