aish.com

The Torah does not call the Jewish people “Jews.” Instead, it often refers to them as the “Children of Israel.”

The name Israel was originally given to Jacob, the biblical patriarch and father of the Jewish people, after he wrestled with an angel in the Book of Genesis.

The Hebrew name Yisrael (ישראל) is commonly understood to mean “one who struggles with God” or “one who prevails with God.”

The name reflects Jacob’s life. He faced challenge after challenge, yet continued to grow stronger in his faith and relationship with God.

On a deeper level, some Jewish commentators explain that Israel can also be understood as “straight to God,” symbolizing Jacob’s ability to rise above his limitations and become spiritually connected to something greater than himself.

That is why the Jewish people are called B'nei Yisrael, the Children of Israel, carrying forward the legacy of resilience, growth, and connection to God.