SHOSHANA means “rose.” In Song of Songs, the verse “Like a rose among thorns” alludes to the Jewish people amongst the nations. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) refers to our matriarch Rebecca as a “rose amongst thorns” having grown up in the home of her wicked father and brother. The Yiddish version of the name is Raizel.
SHEMAYA is from the Aramaic, meaning “to hear.” Shemaya was a prophet during the times of King Rehovoam (I Kings 12:22). Shemaya was also the name of the President of the Sanhedrin (Great Court) during the first century, b.c.e. He said, “Love work; abhor taking high office; and do not seek intimacy with the ruling power.” (Avot 1:10)