The Yerushalmi itself goes out of its way to reject the position enunciated in the Mishnah, citing a teaching by R. Yehoshua b. Levi that the, Resp. If so, the proper response is again a pastoral one. It seems to me that another breakdown of the name is also … Thank you peace and love. Jewish names in Finland are pronounced in the Finnish way. Chana (Hebrew for Hannah, or use the H spelling as a nod to Halina as noted above.) The Convert’s Name in Jewish Tradition. *That is converts with no Jewish ancestry. Converts have always selected Hebrew names that speak to them personally; Ruth has long been a favorite for obvious reasons. “Son of Bog Bog” did the same, only more secretively–the numerical total of the Hebrew letters bet and gimel, pronounced bog, is five, as is hay. Adira: Adira means "mighty, strong." verb לְהַמִיר. But it should be noted that this title is required only on formal occasions and documents. telephone numbers), the feminine form is used. Do I have to have a bat mitzvah when I convert? ABIGAYIL (אֲבִיגַיִל): Hebrew name meaning "father rejoices." The question: does a convert recite this confession when he brings his bikurim to the Temple? [8], This insight has never been communicated so clearly and forcefully as by Maimonides, in a teshuvah to a Jew-by-choice named Ovadyah:[9]. Yet such a course, we think, is precisely the wrong solution for her problem. 26:3).”[4] The Talmud Yerushalmi, however, cites the conflicting view of Rabbi Yehudah: the ger does recite the confession, because Abraham, “the father of many nations,” is the spiritual ancestor of converts as well as of born Jews. It is difficult to understand why parents would give such a name to their son. She’elah A Jew-by-choice in my community does not wish to accept the customary Hebrew name bat Avraham avinu ve-Sarah imeinu. Reform Judaism BTW A Hebrew name, Michael, means “who … This suggests a Talmudic debate concerning the mitzvah of bikurim, or “first fruits.” The Torah instructs that an offering of the “first fruits” of the harvest be brought to Jerusalem, to the priest in authority in those days, and that the person who brings the offering recite a “confession” (vidu’i), a litany expressing our gratitude for having been brought forth from Egypt and for having inherited a “land flowing with milk and honey” (Deut. Conversion to Judaism (Hebrew: גיור ‎, giyur) is the process by which non-Jews adopt the Jewish religion and become members of the Jewish ethnoreligious community.It thus resembles both conversion to other religions and naturalization. For example, Leah named her fourth son Judah (in Hebrew, Yehudah). Conclusion. Hebrew: Judaism: Aaliyah: the name means To Ascend, High, Lofty, Sublime, Highly Exalted, Tall, Towering, The High, Exalted One: Girl: Arabic,Hebrew: Islam: Abagail: Means father's joy or Father rejoiced who gives happiness: Girl: Hebrew: Christianity: Abaigael: Deviation form of Abigail (Hebrew) that means father of exaltation: Girl: Hebrew: Christianity: Abana I'm 15 and a girl. 26:1-11). Does the embarrassment she feels warrant the changing of her name? [1] R. Yosef Karo, who mentions this practice in his Shulchan Arukh,[2] identifies as its source a responsum of R. Asher b. Yechiel (13th/14th-century Germany and Spain). Most people who convert to Judaism take a Hebrew name. Read More >>. 293 (no. It is not a cause for embarrassment, nor is it a sign that the proselyte has broken ties with his or her Gentile family. Second, this name ignores the identity of her actual parents, who though they do not join her in conversion nonetheless have raised her and loved her from birth. Ahava: Ahava means "love." As with a literal newborn, the convert as a spiritual newborn selects a Hebrew name and adopts Abraham and Sarah as spiritual parents. How is it done? May she rejoice in the Torah, and exult in the commandments. More Hebrew words for convert. Central Conference of American Rabbis The Midrash tells us that the first man, Adam, looked into the essence of every creature and named it accordingly. Hi I am trying to translate my childrens names into hebrew, can anyone help me please? The value will be displayed in words in the chosen language. [3] R. Asher tells us that the ger (convert) is called “the son of Abraham” because Abraham is called “the father of many nations” (Gen. 17:4-5). The “Hebrew name” by which one is called in synagogue is more appropriately called a Jewish name. “A convert is as a newborn child, k’tinok she’nolad.” A new person needs a new name. Design possibilities are endless. Most biblical names we know today take their roots in Hebrew and are making a huge comeback in the U.S.! Becoming Jewish requires careful consideration and extensive self-examination. So if I were to convert, should I change my name or is Miikka good enough? I know at least a couple dozen converts across the spectrum, and the only one who made a name change didn't do anything legally -- she started using her middle name because she found her given name (Christina) awkward. Hebrew names come up when you’re called up to read the Torah, when you need a prayer for healing, when you sign your marriage ketubah, and when you’re memorialized when you die. Lead her in the way of Your mitzvot [commandments]. Some authorities follow the Mishnah and even extend its rule, declaring that a convert cannot lead either the birkat hamazon (grace after meals) or the synagogue service (i.e., he cannot serve as sheliach tzibur) because those liturgies, too, contain words that seem to exclude the ger. Sofi Tsedaka, Israeli actress, singer, television presenter and politician; From Shinto. The name is usually broken into two Hebrew words: pi(mouth), andnahash(snake). It is generally recited at that time for both male and female converts. להמיר. 19:33) and that the tradition understands this oppression as ona’at devarim, verbal embarrassment: that is, we must not scorn the proselyte by mentioning his or her Gentile origins. The 7 is a sacred number and 7x7=49 means completeness and completion. May ____________, the daughter of Abraham, our Father, grow to become great. [12] It has never been understood as an argument for changing the proselyte’s traditional name, nor could it be, since to ascribe a person’s spiritual lineage to Abraham and Sarah is among the highest compliments we can pay him or her. See the responsum of R. Ouziel cited in note 10, and R. Gedalyah Felder. If so, should we find Hebrew equivalents for her parents’ names? Notwithstanding that in proper names the Hebrew letters 0, V), and tD are interchanged, the Hebrew word for snake is written with a 0, and the name Pinhas is written with a 0. The whole Bible (OT and NT) was written on 22+27=49 (7x7) scrolls (see Structure of the Bible). Hebrew names are infused with meaning, open to beautiful illustration in Jewish paper cut art. Adva: Adva means "small wave, ripple." She objects to this name for two reasons. Cardinal and ordinal numbers must agree in gender with the noun they are describing. That is why the convert is called “ben Avraham Avinu,” “son of our Father, Abraham,” or “bat Sarah Imenu,” “daughter of our Mother, Sarah.” In a Jewish marriage contract or divorce, it is not sufficient to write “child of Abraham,” but of “Abraham, our Father,” and “Sarah, our Mother,” in order to avoid any possible duplicity that might lead some to believe that the father was actually Jewish and the person’s name simply Abraham. May the Jew-by-choice replace Avraham and Sarah with the names of his or her actual parents, even though they remain non-Jews? The sages say that one of the virtues of the Jews in their exile in Egypt was that they did not alter their names. Is this permissible? Hebrew Name - CUSTOM ORDER - Jewish Paper Cut Art. [Ruth, the grandmother of King David, is perhaps the Bible’s best-known convert.] The Mishnah answers “no”: the ger may not recite the vidu’i because, as his ancestors were not Jewish and did not inherit the land of Israel, he cannot truthfully give thanks for “the land that God swore to our ancestors to give to us (Deut. Open her heart to Your teachings. Enter the values below. Adiya: Adiya means "God's treasure, God's ornament." Hebrew Girls' Names Beginning With "A" Adi: Adi means "jewel, ornament." A change of name for the convert, following that logic, signals the embracing of a new philosophy, a new identification, a purposeful, mindful statement of intent for the long future. Oh, and you’re not the only one searching for them and their meaning, either. Just click on the links below for all English names … How disappointing, then, that for the person mentioned in our she’elah the name has become a cause of discomfort. Setzuso Kotsuji, son of a Shinto priest, and a professor in Japan (converted from Shinto to Christianity and then from Christianity to Judaism) From Hinduism When praying for someones health, it is their Hebrew … tolshan 1 . [15] It is a covenantal name, a declaration that the one who bears it is a member of the community that stood at Sinai to receive the Torah. Since the use of Hebrew names includes mention of the parents' Hebrew names, and the convert has no Jewish parents, it is common to add "ben Avraham Avinu," or son of Abraham, our Father. A female convert named Miriam would be referred to as “Miriam bat Sarah Imenu” (“Miriam, the daughter of our mother, Sarah”). The same idea applies to names of people. Question about Hebrew names for converts? Still other rabbis hold that all converts should be named Abraham or Sarah, the very names they were given when they “converted” to the service to God. Hebrew names for "Thomas" Note: English names which are not derived from Hebrew names are normally represented by Hebrew names with similar underlying meanings. Chava (Hebrew for Eve, means living, and feels appropriate on many levels for a conversion.) By. They didn’t exactly fit. While we do not question the sincerity of her feelings, we suspect that her embarrassment has less to do with her Jewish name than with some unresolved doubts she may still harbor over her decision to convert and its effect upon the members of her family. Pomegranates are one of the "seven species," staple foods of Israel. change, exchange, substitute. Hebrew letters are used to a limited extent to represent numbers, mainly on calendars. Pronounced: AHVR-rah-ham, Origin: Hebrew, Abraham in the Torah, considered the first Jew. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. At the conclusion of the entire ceremony, some versions add this prayer: Enable this convert to succeed. Hebrew names are used within Jewish ceremonies. However, as the convert is at this point still not fully converted–not having completed the immersion–and therefore not yet a Jew, the naming ceremony should preferably be delayed until immediately after the immersion. I understand that the Hebrew equivalent is Micha. The Old Hebrew and Old Greek languages had no special numbers. First, since the name advertises her status as a convert, she finds it to be embarrassing and thus a possible violation of the rule that one is not to remind a ger/giyoret of his/her past. Alternately, her embarrassment may be rooted in external factors; perhaps the community has not been as welcoming and as accepting of her as it could and should be. But they did not teach her Torah; they did not bring her into the covenant. 50 Hebrew Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Hebrew baby names. I don't know if it is in fact normative for converts today to change their names. If any of the numbers are links, you can hear a recording by clicking on them. But Jewish communities never followed that advice. So may she enter the Almighty’s Torah, with His commandments and good deeds.”. Other rabbis differ, pointing to Ruth, the most famous female convert to Judaism, who did not change her Moabite name at all. The ger, in other words, is called ben Avraham avinu in order to proclaim that he is one of us and part of our family, to affirm that the Jew-by-choice and the Jew-by-birth enjoy the same religious status in the eyes of God and of the Jewish people.[10]. [11] Yet this prohibition has always referred to the gratuitous insult, the conscious, intentional attempt to shame. Any and all difficulties that the Jew-by-choice encounters upon joining our people should be faced squarely and seriously, but it would be a serious mistake to try to address those problems through altering his or her Jewish name. All Rights Reserved. Harambam, ed. If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa. Some rather strange names for converts surface in the times of the Talmud. Some Hebrew names are extremely old-- names like Sarah, Rebecca, Abraham, and Moshe, date back to the time of the Bible. For many Jews, the name is important as it signifies their identity and their covenant with HaShem. We believe, rather, as tradition teaches us, that the name ben/bat Avraham avinu ve-Sarah imeinu is a badge of honor and respect, bestowed with love and admiration, that ought to be worn with satisfaction and pride. Girls. Adina: Adina means "gentle." linkedin; Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. [14] Yet this duty does not touch upon the question of name. New York, NY 10017, For questions or comments about this site email the webmaster: Websupport@ccarnet.org, As Shabbat comes to a close and we begin both a new week and spring, Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar/ @kkedar, author of "Omer" (available at omer.ccarpress.org), offers a meditation on conscious breath. The time of the naming ceremony was held by some to be the same as for a Jewish-born male–at the circumcision rite. She objects to this name for two reasons. You can browse over 2000 Hebrew names based on their English equivalents here. Rather, they register the fact that it was through these parents that this person was brought into the berit (covenant) between God and Israel. When a person chooses to become a Jew, he or she receives the name ben/bat Avraham avinu ve-Sarah imeinu, signifying the he or she is one of us and at one with us, a full partner in the community of Israel and its covenant with God. Biblical Hebrew names (with historical references) are listed on the left and modern Hebrew names (with meanings) are listed on the right: The issue there is the correct name for a, Resp. A Convert’s Hebrew Name. Thus, a male convert whose name is Michael, for example, would be referred to as “Michael ben Avraham Avinu” (“Michael, the son of our Father, Abraham”). Wendy Rose Gould. [13] Altering the name, by contrast, does nothing to help her confront these issues. One is “Son of Hay Hay,” another is “Son of Bog Bog.” The theory offered is that these converts were in danger of reprisals for defecting to Judaism and, in order to hide their convert status, did not use their Hebrew names or their spiritual patronymic, “son of Abraham, our father.” Rather, they devised names that subtly conveyed their convert origins, as for example, “Son of Hay, Hay,” which indicates that he is the spiritual heir of the two people who had the Hebrew letter hay added to their names, Abraham and Sarah. The Convert’s Name: A Source of Embarrassment? We are indeed forbidden to embarrass the Jew-by-choice, but to call him or her “the child of Abraham and Sarah,” however, is most definitely not a matter of embarrassment or shame. We do not believe that conversion is something to hide, a source of embarrassment. The notable name changes in the Bible for those who go through significant transitions and new commitments to God and the people with whom they live are Avraham, Sarah, Yitro and Ruth. Shavua tov. Name of the day: Rimon. Print Getty Images / P Deliss Hebrew is an ancient Semitic language that … Of course if you're a convert, then you get to pick your minhag I suppose, so.. Updated on December 20, 2020 . What is not the choice of converts is the identity of the parents. Some male converts choose the Hebrew name Avraham as their new Hebrew first name and some female candidates choose Sarah or Ruth. That would have signaled an altered worldview, the adoption of a new lifestyle, a quick and efficient scrapping of the past. To accept the customary Hebrew name Avraham as their new Jewish lives living ones as.! Useful outside of the `` ch '' sound does not exist in Finnish she ’ nolad. ” a new.. Looked into the covenant to Hebrew by way of your mitzvot [ commandments.! 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A sacred number and 7x7=49 means completeness and completion may the Jew-by-choice replace Avraham and Sarah with noun.