What’s in a Name?
Many people mistakenly think that a name is something that should be fashionable, without taking into consideration the influence it has on a child’s soul…
Shakespeare was actually incorrect when he wrote “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. The truth is, a rose by any other name would NOT smell as sweet, since it would not be a rose! A name is fundamental. A name is the core, all encompassing clarification of the object. We understand what a flower, a table or a soda cracker is simply because of its name. Even with eyes closed, a name will conjure up a clear mental picture of the stated item.
Consider then, if a name is so vital for inanimate objects, how much more so for a living, breathing human being, a Holy Neshama (soul). For a person, according to the Kabbalah (Mystical Jewish Teachings), ones name is his or her essence. Therefore, naming a baby is not something to be taken lightly. What we name our children has a significant impact on what kind of people they will become, on their character traits and even their lot in life.
The very fact that we refer to The Holy One, Blessed Be He, our Omniscient Father in Heaven as “Hashem”, illustrates the profundity of a name. Hashem translated literally means ‘The Name’.
We often name our babies after living or deceased relatives, depending on family traditions. This is a beautiful custom which keeps the memory of our loved ones alive. But consideration must be made if the kind of life the departed lived was not desirable or ended in tragic circumstances. One’s Rabbi may advise against using the name entirely or may suggest adding an additional name to give the baby better mazal than his or her predecessor. To exemplify how important a name is, a critically ill person may have a name added in order to change the judgment in Heaven to affect an improvement in their health. (Note, this should only be done with Rabbinic supervision)
Today it is very common to give our children English names to use in their day to day lives. While they were named after beloved Aunt Basya or Uncle Binyamin in the synagogue, they are known to their friends and family as Blair and Brian. But bear in mind that the name one is being called attaches that person to their own personal spiritual sphere. Since these modern names have no connection to holiness, wouldn’t it be preferable to only use their real Hebrew or Jewish names, the names that connect them on a much loftier plane?
It is said that at one time a woman attained Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) after giving birth, thereby enabling her to properly name her baby. Today, since that is not the case, the mother, together with her husband, must carefully choose a virtuous, wholesome Jewish name that they feel suits their precious, little infant. While each individual letter in the Torah holds special meaning and is filled with boundless significance, each letter in one’s name contains a unique, mystical value of its own. And just as the Torah is G-d’s gift to the Jewish people, babies are Hashem’s gift and blessing to a husband and wife. There are three partners in the conception of a child: The husband, the wife and G-d. In as much, the name should be fitting of the Holy King’s creation.
In addition, in order to get the full divine benefit from a name, it’s best to recharge your child’s spiritual battery on a daily basis by using his or her complete name at least once a day. Why reserve the “Chaim Dovid!” for times of heated outbursts when it can be used in a soothing, sweet way, enhancing your little one’s Neshama with each utterance?
Do you have a desire to use your Jewish name but have been called Mark for years? No worries! It’s never too late to make a change in your name from the Anglicized version to the original, e.g. Mordechai Mendel. It will take some getting used to, but your family and associates will surely respect you for your decision. Just as we constantly make adjustments in our lives in order to grow closer to HaShem and strive to become better individuals, we can help change our path in life by using our true given names, and in turn bring more light into the world.
The Midrash says that the Jews merited redemption from Egypt because they refused to adopt the Egyptian culture and never changed their Jewish names. “In the merit of righteous women of that generation, our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt.” Our sages tell us that in the merit of righteous women, Israel will once again be redeemed.
As in days of old, we should not give in to foreign influences and must stand strong in maintaining our Jewish heritage and identity. Utilizing a Jewish name is such a simple step, yet can make all the difference in the world…… possibly even quicken our long-awaited, final Geula!
6/08/2009
Well written article! Keep them coming…… Your topic, What’s in a Name is such an important topic. The Israeli custom of using names that appeal or are popular is so very sad. When parents take the time to name their child from a line in the Chumash or give a bracha meaning name the child has a goal to live up to their name. Naming after living or deceased grandparent is a true honour to that person.
6/08/2009
Your topic, What’s in a Name is such an important topic. The Israeli custom of using names that appeal or are popular is so very sad. When parents take the time to name their child from a line in the Chumash or give a bracha meaning name the child has a goal to live up to their name. Naming after living or deceased grandparent is a true honour to that person.