The Significance and Origin of the Name Michael

Shalom u'vracha

The name Michael indicates that a person declares through all his behavior, 'Who is like You among the gods, Hashem,' especially by observing Shabbat. The power of this declaration is demonstrated in the verse from Shemot (Exodus) 31:13) 'And you speak to the Children of Israel, saying, 'But you shall keep My Shabbatot, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, to know that I am Hashem who sanctifies you.' Interestingly, the second place where the name is hinted at is also in connection with Shabbat, found in Yehezkel (Ezekiel) 20:12) 'And also I gave them My Shabbatot to be a sign between Me and them, to know that I am Hashem who sanctifies them.' Michael possesses special strength when he behaves properly and is capable of praying to Hashem, and his prayer will be answered quickly, as is stated in the verse from Yonah (Jonah) 1:6) 'And the captain approached him and said, 'What are you doing asleep? Arise, call out to your God; perhaps the God will be concerned for us so that we do not perish.' We find this mentioned once again in Tehillim (Psalms) 86:3) 'Have mercy on me, Hashem, for I call to You all day long.' Fulfill your obligations, and may all the desires of your heart be fulfilled for good, with blessings – Binjamin Shmuli