בס''ד

THE DAILY DAF MESSAGE OF THE BET ZVI DAFactory

The Great Ones

Rashi explains that Rava's name was not (also) Moshe, but Rav Safra was just comparing him to Moshe. Just as Moshe was the greatest person in his generation, so too, Rava was the greatest leader in his. Rav Safra disagreed with Rava's conjecture, although he held Rava in the highest esteem. It is interesting to note, that none of the Tannaim mentioned in the classical works are named for Adam, Dovid or Moshe.

In Sefer Avnei Simcha, the following theory is suggested:

1. Adam was undoubtedly the most handsome of men – being the only male ever to be formed by G-d Himself. Surely, no man born of woman could be as flawless as Adam, and calling one's baby Adam would be no less than flippant.
2. Moshe was the greatest of men and rose to spiritual heights that no man will be able to reach. We must aspire to act like Moshe, but to name our children after the greatest of the great would be suggestive that the child on par with him.
3. David – King David was the greatest Jewish king, and his Tehillim is the pocket-book of the generations. Who could compare himself to King David?! His name too, was honoured and revered, and thus no Tanna or Amora was named for vid. Thus Rava's second name would not have been Moshe, rather the name Moshe is the greatest title of respect.