Our Gemara tells us that it is proper etiquette to call out to a person before speaking with him or her. We see from the fact that many verses begin with, “G-d called to Moses and said to him“, this implies that before one speaks, one should engage the person, get their attention, and see if they are interested in what you have to say.

Maharsha here states that one should call by name explicitly. Mizrachi (VaYikra 1:1) implies the name should be repeated, as a form of endearment as we find the verses stating “Moshe, Moshe” (Exodus 3:4).

For years, my wife has had to remind me, and bring to my attention the importance of addressing family members by their names, as an obvious part of intimacy and communication.  She didn’t need a source in the Torah to know what is proper and decent, but here is a source to back up her point, and hopefully a chizuk to push me to remember to do this more often. 

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

If you liked this, you might enjoy my Relationship Communications Guide. Click on the link above.

Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com