Q. Is there relevance for what some say that we should not name our newborn baby girl Rochel?
(need answer urgent)
A. In Shaar HaPsukim (Par. Vayetze) the Arizal writes that the names of the Imahos or foremothers that include the letter ה were destined to have children. The one that did not, namely Rochel, only conceived after she gave her maid-servant Bilha (two letters hey) to Ya'akov, so she could also conceive through her.
Kovetz Beis Hillel (16: p. 71) quotes that the Ohr Letzion (Horav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul zt”l) was once approached by a woman who suffered from severe illness and could not conceive. When she told him that her name was Rochel he advised her to change it to another name. She did and she was healed.
Otzros Chaim (p.144) mentions something similar in regards to Rus and how Neomi was able to find a Tikun for her through Boaz.
Niflois Mitorosecho ( Vayigash: p. 141) mentions that the letter ה stands for Herayon or pregnancy. See also Maharsho (Chidushei Agodos – Sanhedrin 107a on regards to this letter and its connection to having children.
However, Derech Sicha (end of Bereshis) mentions that Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit”a was asked if there is significance in not using the name Rochel. To what he replied that it is totally meaningless (he quotes the words of the Arizal above in the name of the Chezkuni) and added that reality proves that many women that are named Rochel have children and are healthy. He also mentions that Rochel, the wife of Rabi Akiva had children (Avos DeRabi Nosson 6) and so obviously did the mother of Romi Bar Rochel.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit”a opinion is similar to Derech Sicha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a.
Important Numbers
