blogs/rabbi-huberman

I’d like you to do something.

Please raise your hand, if you are named after someone in your family, who no longer walks this earth.

You are not alone.

Most Jewish people carry the name of a grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend. Who are you named after?

This question is important because these days, while many couples struggle with what to name their children in English, this conversation does not always seem important within a Jewish context.

But it is.

A child’s Hebrew name appears on his or her Jewish wedding certificate (Ketubah); it is how a child is called up to the Torah on their bar or bat mitzvah.

Most importantly, perhaps, it is the name that will be carried forward to future generations, after we and even our children are gone.

There is a Kabbalistic teaching based on the Hebrew word for soul — Neshama. At the core of the word Neshama, is the word Shem — meaning name.

In short, when we name a child after someone who is no longer with us, (or within the Sephardic tradition after someone who may be alive) a bit of the Neshama, the spark of that person “grounds” and strengthens that baby through its Shem — its name.

Within Jewish tradition, each name has a strength attached to it.

During 2020, the most popular five names for girls in America were Sophia, Olivia, Riley, Emma and Ava. For boys, it was Liam, Noah, Jackson, Aiden and Elijah. These are beautiful names. But popular names over the breath of time come and go.

But within our tradition, our Hebrew name connects us its previous owner. The Hebrew name you carry links you to that grandparent, relative or family friend, who inspired your parents. That “vibration” lives in you.

My English name, Irwin, was common during the 1950s. And while I am used to it, I identify mostly with my Hebrew name — Yisrael. I was named after my great grandfather, Yisrael, a great Jewish scholar, who was born around 1845. 

My name, is actually descended from Rabbi Israel Charif (1696–1781), a student within the inner circle of the Chassidic master, the Ba’al Shem Tov. During the mid-1700s, Rabbi Charif penned an important book titled Tifereth Israel.

How amazing is Jewish continuity.

That is why the title of this week’s Torah portion, Shemot, is so inspiring. The Greeks named the second book of the Torah Exodus, for obvious reasons. In Hebrew it is known as the Book of Names.

What is in a name anyway?

Our mystic tradition tells us that each name is linked to a Biblical passage that empowers its holder with an important character trait. The name, Judah, is linked to thanksgiving. Reuven is connected to insight; Shimon is associated with the ability to truly hear — and so on.

This week’s parashah recounts the story of Moses’ rise from child in a basket to his call to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.

But just prior to the beginning of the Moses story, the names of the tribes of Israel are listed. By listing these names, the Torah inspires us to consider that each of us belongs to a tribe, and each one of us has a name.

Often, when I am about to lay someone to rest, and ask the family, “What was their Hebrew name?” they hesitate and say, “We don’t know.” That is no problem because God knows who everyone is. But what about future generations?

In many ways, it is helpful to know our Hebrew names. And, if we don’t have a Jewish name, perhaps the Cantor or I can help you choose one, perhaps remembering a relative who has passed on, or a Biblical character, or a Hebrew name which resonates within you.

Indeed, a new Jewish journey can begin through that name.

Last year at our synagogue, we had co-presidents named Phyllis. The most helpful way we were able to avoid confusion during meetings was to refer to one as Tovah and the other as Pesah.

I remember smiles of pride as each was referred to by their Hebrew names — for we are the most recent caretakers of our sacred names.

I have a dream. I would love as we begin the reading the Book of Exodus or Names — for rabbis to encourage everyone to confirm, record or even choose a Hebrew name. For that name will carry you on.

During my career as a rabbi, I have yet to name a baby in English – Irwin or Phyllis. Those popular names tend to fade in time. But names like Yisrael, Reuven, Tovah, Pesah, Miriam and others will hopefully last forever.

Perhaps this is the week to reach into that box of records — or ask our parents or grandparents, “What is your Jewish name?” or “Who am I named after — and what was best about that person?”

For names are part of who we are. Indeed, there is nothing more valuable in this world than a Shem Tov — a good name.

It is said we were all at Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Indeed, the name we carry forms a chain from those times — from Egypt through Mount Sinai, through us, and toward our future.

Let us embrace that connection this week, and ask ourselves through that sacred inheritance, “How can we raise our name, turning ourselves, our people and the world into something better?”

Our Hebrew names connect us generation-to-generation as caretakers of Jewish values and tradition.

Indeed, as Jews, our names help make us who we are.

Shabbat Shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

..................................................................................

Please join us on Zoom or Facebook,
Friday - 7:00 pm ET
for candle lighting, followed
by live Kabbalat Shabbat services: 

https://zoom.us/j/97188243757
(Please note that the Meeting ID has changed as of Jan. 1)

Click link below to view or download
the abridged Friday Shabbat siddur: https://bit.ly/2JjvlL3

or:  https://www.facebook.com/GlenCoveCTI/

..................................................................................

Saturday Shabbat & Musaf Service:
10:00 am ET

https://zoom.us/j/97188243757
(Please note that the Meeting ID has changed as of Jan. 1)

Sim Shalom Shabbat & Musaf Siddur: https://bit.ly/2zMtxJ3

You can also dial into these services: 
646-876-9923 (New York)
Meeting ID: 971 8824 3757

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adPkXfg2VY