This week’s parsha introduces yet another powerful story about names. 

Earlier in the Torah, we watched Yaakov become Yisrael – a name change that marked struggle, growth, and transformation. A shift in how someone is known, because of who they became.

In this week’s parsha, we meet Yitro, whose name tells a different but connected story.

Not only did Yitro change his name once; the sages teach that Yitro had at least seven(!!) names. That alone tells us something important: some people cannot be captured by a single label. Identity can be layered, evolving, and expansive.

The Torah itself reflects this. Earlier, Moshe’s father-in-law is called Yeter. Later, he is called Yitro – with an extra letter added to his name. The sages explain that this expansion comes because Yitro added something essential. His wisdom shaped the community and therefore actually became part of Torah itself.

This is a different kind of name change. Not one of becoming someone else – but of being recognized more fully for what you bring.

Names in Torah don’t just describe people. They tell stories about growth, contribution, and belonging. And sometimes, the holiest thing that happens is not a transformation into someone new, but an expansion that makes room for everything you already are.