Words Last Forever
In this coming week’s Torah portion, Matot-Masei, there is a story about Nobah of the Manasseh tribe capturing Kenath and its dependencies, and renaming it after himself. There are numerous examples of similar tales in this parsha, but only Nobah appears without reference to anyone or anything specific. This is in line with what our society does today with the concept of “naming opportunities”. Jewish culture is very familiar with “naming opportunities”. We have rooms, walls, and buildings named for individuals. Do a Google search on the internet for “naming opportunities” and you’ll find options for hospitals, museums, research centers, and much more.
It is one thing to rename a place or even add your name to it. It is entirely something different to remove the old name and give it your own, as Nobah does. The Torah is silent on why the renaming occurs. There are examples of other names that appear in the Torah, but they are usually related to an event such as Nachshon ben Aminadav which is the first person to show faith and courage by entering the Sea of Reeds, or Sarah bat Asher who is heralded for her wisdom.
But why Nobah? There is no holiday, battle, or event associated with Nobah’s name in the Torah. Nobah renames a city because he wanted to rename a city. Nobah, or a different translation Novach, means barking.
(It is interesting to note that Novach means barking. This takes the connotation of boasting or bragging which is not being humble. Within the Torah, we are taught it is better to be identified as someone that is good than to brag about it; to be humble. Extending this further it alludes to the notion of "absolute power corrupts absolutely." Tyrants are remembered for their tyranny regardless if they had any positive characteristics. Those individuals that remain humble may indeed have negative characteristics. But when they die, those negative traits are forgotten in favor of the acts of love that they did and provided because it's easier to remember. So, those that brag or boast will simply be forgotten whereas those that love will be remembered.)
To this day, that city has a different name. What this teaches us is that we are not remembered for who we are, but rather, for what impact we make on society. How many people can name the astronauts that landed on the moon? How many people can name someone who helped them in their youth - like a teacher or counselor? What is it that really achieves immortality? A name is only a name. A loving act of kindness, understanding, or even leadership is longer lasting than a name.
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