יום ב Date: 8 Shevat, 5776 (1/18/16) – Gittin Daf 36 {Eliezer}

BRAZEN BRANDING

[36a middle] Rabbis used to sign documents using various unique symbols/logos to identify who they were: Rav drew a fish, R’ Chanina’s identity was matched with a palm tree branch, and Rabbah bar R’ Huna sketched a ship’s mast.
R’ Rosner: These older pictures are like our modern signatures [one cannot read them, but they serve the purpose of a “sign/stamp” for authentication].
These reflect the “Power of Branding.” Kaveyochol (just like, on a lower level) Nike is known for its ‘swoosh,’ McDonald’s by its double yellow arched “M,” and Pepsi-Cola has its blue and red yin/yang. People immediately know what they represent and what level of product is expected with its company.

D-E-ep Thoughts: So too, we (as Jews) should dress, speak, act, and portray ourselves in ways which reflect our Jewish ideals and values. When others see us, they should know us to identify us as G-d fearing, honest, and all around genuinely good people.