Many of us have the name we were given our entire lives. Yet, there are moments when a name change signifies a transformation in one’s life. For Abraham, the father of Judaism, that is the case. Why is it that the letter Hey was added to his name, to change from Abram to Abraham? Many commentaries note that the Hey signifies the presence of God’s name. Yet, there is another clue within.

Av-ram, when separated into two syllables could be translated as Av, the father of Aram, the place of Abram’s origin. Yet, when the Hey is added, he is now Av, the father ha-am, all of the people.

One letter in his name notes a significant difference in Abraham’s role.

The Torah did not begin with the birth of the Jewish people. The Torah began with the birth of the world. This week, we meet the father of monotheism. In just a few more weeks, we will meet the entire Jewish people.

What is in a name? One letter can make all the difference in the world.