Monday, December 31, 2007

Sephardic Naming Customs

Can Sephardi Jews name a child after a living relative?


The Sephardic tradition is to name new babies after living relatives (source: Talmud Shabbat 134a).


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Friday, December 28, 2007

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Can Ashkenazi Jews name a child after a living relative

It has become an Ashkenazi custom to name a new baby after a relative that has passed away. This keeps the name and memory alive, and in a metaphysical way forms a bond between the soul of the baby and the deceased relative. However, it is by no means forbidden to give a child the same name as a living relative. The living relative should be asked permission.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

How do I choose a Hebrew name for my baby?

Often parents choose Hebrew names that start with the same letter as the secular name.
For instance, Blake's Hebrew name might be Boaz and Lindsey's might be Leah. Sometimes the secular name is an interpretation of the Hebrew name, like Jonah for Yonah and Eva for Chava. And sometimes there is no connection between the Hebrew and secular names; My parents gave me the English name of Lisa because they like it, and the Hebrew name of Sara in memory of my great-grandmother.

The two main sources for Hebrew names for today's Jewish babies are older Biblical names and modern Israeli names. This online resource on Hebrew names can help you in choosing a Hebrew name.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Why it is Important to give a Jewish baby a Hebrew Name

Importance of giving a Jewish baby a Hebrew name in addition to an English name

Certain religious rituals require Hebrew names. Hebrew names are used for calling people to the Torah. Certain prayers, such as the memorial prayer or the prayer for the sick, use the Hebrew name. Legal documents, such as the marriage contract or ketubah, also use the Hebrew name.
Orthodox Jews and Israelis often give their children a Hebrew name, and that name is used for both everyday and religious purposes.
Elsewhere it has become customary for Jewish parents to give their children two names - a secular name for use in the gentile world and a Hebrew name for religious purposes.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

How To Give a Hebrew Name

Often parents choose Hebrew names that start with the same letter as the secular name. For instance, Blake's Hebrew name might be Boaz and Lindsey's might be Leah.

Sometimes the secular name is an interpretation of the Hebrew name, like Jonah for Yonah and Eva for Chava. Similarly, the names might share meaning, like Justin and Daniel.

And sometimes the English and Hebrew names are not connected in any way. Lisa's Hebrew name might be Sara.

The two main sources for Hebrew names for today's Jewish babies are older Biblical names and modern Israeli names.

Why Give a Hebrew Name

Why Give a Hebrew Name?

Certain religious rituals require Hebrew names. Hebrew names are used for calling people to the Torah. Certain prayers, such as the memorial prayer or the prayer for the sick, use the Hebrew name. Legal documents, such as the marriage contract or ketubah, also use the Hebrew name. Orthodox Jews and Israelis often give their children a Hebrew name, and that name is used for both everyday and religious purposes.Elsewhere it has become customary for Jewish parents to give their children two names - a secular name for use in the gentile world and a Hebrew name for religious purposes.


Jewish babynames

Monday, December 10, 2007

Hebrew Baby Names

According to Kabbalah, the world was created from the speech of G-d, and words have a tremendous power that cannot be underestimated. Therefore, naming a new baby is a large responsibility, since it is believed that names express and reflect a person's character. The impact of names on one's mazal (fortune) and traits is so profound, that those who become seriously ill sometimes take on an extra name to change their luck. Therefore, many parents, when faced with choosing a name, do so with the utmost care.

Lehitraot


For additional ideas we suggest visiting

www.jewishbabyname.blogspot.com