Jewish Baby Names It is a Jewish tradition to give a child two names- an English name and a Hebrew name. The names may or many not be the same. It's all up to you, the parents, to decide. There are many ways people go about finding a name for their baby. There are many books on the subject! Or, you can call a rabbi, cantor or an Israeli friend! Biblical figures, Jewish or Israeli celebrities, historical figures, and of course, relatives all provide inspiration for a child’s name. Names should be chosen based on the meaning and translation. Before choosing a specific name, always find its meaning. Consider the pronunciation and spelling as well. An interesting difference exists between Jews born of Eastern/Central Europe (Ashkenazic) and those of Mediterranean (Sephardic) descent. The Ashkenazic Jews often name their children after the deceased. They rarely name children after living relatives, probably dating from a superstition of the Middle Ages to avoid having the Angel of Death take the newborn child instead of the aging relative it was named for by mistake. Sephardim have no such fear and often name after living relatives. Using the father's name followed by “Junior”, “II”, “III”, is almost unheard of in the Jewish tradition. An exception may be that a Jewish child may receive his father’s name if the father died prior to the birth of his child. There really are no rules when it comes to naming your child. Customs are just customs, and there is rarely much logic to them. So many rules cross Ashkenazi/Sephardi lines that you must ultimately make the decision and know in your heart of hearts that your child will grow up living a wonderful Jewish life. Brit Milah Brit Milah, the covenant of circumcision, was originally made with Abraham and has been upheld by Jews for centuries. Among liberal Jews today, circumcision is not a requirement for Jewish identity; some parents preserve this practice while others do not. The circumcision is traditionally performed by a mohel. A circumcision done in the hospital is not considered a brit milah unless it is done my a mohel with the intention of fulfilling this particular mitzvah ("commandment") and the proper blessings are recited at the time. At a brit milah, it is traditional to also formally name the child. Traditionally, the brit milah takes place 8 days after the birth of a son. Of course, if there is a question of health, the brit is postponed. Simchat Bat Traditionally, when a girl is born her parents name her formally in the synagogue following her birth. Parents are called up for an aliyah to the Torah after which her Hebrew name is publicly announced. Beginning in the 1970’s, couples began to create naming ceremonies for their daughters that would bring them into the covenant with God and the people of Israel. While there is no religiously or traditional ritual to perform like the brit (circumcision) for boys, couples sought a way to welcome their daughters in a more ceremonial fashion. Today, the name Simchat Bat which means "the joy of our daughter" is widely used to described these ceremonies. The other term used is Brit Banot, "the covenant of our daughters." Simchat Bat ceremonies vary widely, though they usually include naming the daughter along with some readings and a festive meal. There is no particular date following the birth of a daughter when they take place. Some couples choose to schedule it on the 8th day following birth to parallel the brit milah, and other couples postpone the Simchat Bat until the mother and baby have been home a while longer. Contact us now to reserve your Simchat Bat! |
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Under The Chupa The Ring |
Baby Naming Ceremony/Simchat Bat |