It is all in the Name Yitzchok

I shared with the students in grades 1-3 the idea that names in Tanach mean something, and that our names mean something, too. Looking at the naming of Yitzchok, the son of Avraham and Sarah, there  are hints to his name from the first news of his birth. Avraham is told that he will have a son and he falls on his face and "laughs" ויצחק (V'yitzchok). Later, the three messengers come to Avraham at the tent, where Sarah overhears the news and laughs to herself ותצחק (v"tizchok).   Some commentaries explain this laughter as a joyous emotion in response to the great news of a child in their future. Finally, when the child arrives it is not a surprise that they name him Yitzchok. What does this name have to do with his personality? Most people will tell you that Yitzchok's greatest attribute was his strength. How does the name Yitzchok, which is most commonly translated as laughter, show strength?

I read that Yitzchok's strength was in his ability to laugh things off. In a difficult world, Yitzchok tried not to let things bother him. This is a huge strength. To hear a comment and not allow it to get you angry or frustrated is a great mindset to cultivate.  This is the great attribute of Yitzchok.  We can learn from Yitzchok and his ability to let thing roll off his back.  In our lives there will always be strangers, family members and friends who will say or do something that will annoy us. The way we react to it shows our character. Are we able to let it slide and not allow it to bother us?  This would display great stength of character and self confidence. We can try to be like Yitzchok and show the power of laughter.

PS - For further discussion: do you see a connection between your Hebrew name and your personality characteristics?