Moses was the greatest of all prophet and leaders. Yet, when he is introduced to us the Torah tells us very little about his identity. We are not even told his birth name. Instead, he becomes known as Moshe, the name given to him by Pharaoh’s daughter Batya. 

His name is not just a factual description of how Batya came to find him but is to become a core description of his character and identity. As Batya draws him from the river, she chooses to not be a bystander but someone who takes action against injustice.

Her father decreed that all newborn Jewish boys are thrown into the Nile. Yet, on seeing a baby in the water she saves him despite the danger she faces in doing so. It would have been far easier to let the baby float on towards his death. 

It is fascinating that in the first episodes of Moshe’s life, he demonstrates similar character traits as Batya. He takes action against wrongdoing instead of staying safely out of the way. The first is when he kills the Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave; the second is when he intervenes between two Hebrews assaulting each other; and the third is when he defends Jethro’s daughters against some bullying shepherds. 

Throughout his career as leader of the Jewish people, Moshe intervenes, interjects and fights for the cause of the Jewish people. Most pertinently, when he mollifies God’s anger following the sin of the Golden Calf. In bestowing his name Batya provides Moshe with a constant reminder of this necessary quality for leadership.

Allow your compassion to stir you to take action. Do not stand idly by while you witness injustices around you. This is a core principle of Jewish identity and indeed a fundamental element of our divine mission to partner with God in perfecting the world around us.  

The midrash in Vayikra Rabbah tells us that despite Moshe having other names, God specifically chooses to refer to him by the name Batya gave him. Moshe’s identity is formed by his adoptive mother, this is also a revolutionary concept.

From within the cruelty of the house of Pharaoh, we find an agent of kindness whose act of compassion changes the course of history. The Torah recognises Batya’s integral contribution in not only saving him, but shaping him into the leader he becomes and the identity of the people that he leads.