Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Two Names
It's been common since the Middle Ages for Jews to give their children both a secular and a Hebrew name. The secular name is used in day-to-day life, while the Hebrew name is reserved for religious purposes, such as calls to the Torah and memorial prayers, and for legal documents, such as the ketubah (or marriage contract). Generally, American Jews give their children both an English and a Hebrew name—although some names, such as Aaron, can be used for both.
What's in a Name ?
Plenty! For Jews, names have a special significance, both traditionally and religiously.
Although there are no formal rules dictating the choosing of names, deciding on a name for your new baby can be a complicated process, particularly if you are following customary practice and giving your child both a Hebrew and an English name.
The following blog entries are a few tips on naming Jewish children to guide you on your quest. Then use our baby name finder to choose the perfect name for your little one.
Two Names
Although there are no formal rules dictating the choosing of names, deciding on a name for your new baby can be a complicated process, particularly if you are following customary practice and giving your child both a Hebrew and an English name.
The following blog entries are a few tips on naming Jewish children to guide you on your quest. Then use our baby name finder to choose the perfect name for your little one.
Two Names
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Parents Influence when Naming a Baby
Should we consider our parents wishes when choosing a name for our child?
In such matters a person does not have to consider his parents' wish, if he opposes it strongly and has good reason to object (source: "Code of Jewish Law" Y.D. 240:25).
In such matters a person does not have to consider his parents' wish, if he opposes it strongly and has good reason to object (source: "Code of Jewish Law" Y.D. 240:25).
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).
Technorati Tags:
hebrew names, sephardic names
The Sephardic tradition is to name new babies after living relatives (source: Talmud Shabbat 134a).
Technorati Tags:
hebrew names, sephardic names
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
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.
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