OU TORAH ONE+ONE Yaakov By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Many have the practice to recite, in the prayer following Shemoneh Esrei, a verse that starts and ends with the same letter as their name, or that contains their name, or both. This is considered a source of merit. In this series, we will briefly analyze these verses. יַעַנְךָ ה’ בְּיוֹם צָרָה יְשַׂגֶּבְךָ שֵׁם אֱלֹקי יַעֲקֹב May Hashem answer you on the day of distress; may the name of the G-d of Jacob set you up high. – Psalms 20:2 This is the verse for the name “Yaakov.” Rashi explains that G-d promised to protect Jacob when he went to go live with Laban. Therefore, He is referred to as “the G-d of Jacob” when we speak of His protection.