All About Naming A Baby In Israel

The naming of a Jewish child is a most profound spiritual moment. The Sages say that naming a baby is a statement of her character, her specialness, and her path in life. For at the beginning of life we give a name, and at the end of life a "good name" is all we take with us. 

The Talmud also tells us that parents accept one-sixty of the prophecy when choosing a name. An angel comes to the parents and whispers the Jewish name to represent the newborn. You can also click over here to get the baby naming certificates on the occasion of the baby naming ceremony.

Jewish customs

Naming a Jewish baby is not only a statement of what we expect but also where it comes from.

Ashkenazi Jews have a custom of baptizing children of deceased relatives. This keeps names and memories alive and metaphysically creates a connection between the baby's soul and the deceased relative.

It is a great honor for the deceased that his soul was able to achieve exaltation due to the good deeds of its namesake. Meanwhile, the child can be inspired by the good qualities of the deceased – and build a deep connection with the past.

Inner meaning

In Hebrew, a name is not just a convenient collection of letters. Rather, the name expresses its main characteristics. It is important to choose a name that has a positive effect because each time it is used, the person is reminded of its meaning (Midrash Tanchuma – Ha'Azinu 7). This man named Judas is constantly reminded how much we should be grateful to God!

If you want to name a man after a woman, try to save as many letters as possible from the name. For example, Dinah is interchangeable with Dan or Bracha and Baruch.