Conservative Judaism/Naming Traditions

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Expert: - 11/26/2007


Question
My wife and I are expecting our second child in January. My wife started the process of converting to Judaism but has not yet completed that process. We are affiliated with a liberal conservative synagogue. We maintain a kosher home but are not kosher outside of the home.  My wife would like to name our second child "Jack". This is the name of one of my mother's uncles. He is alive. My family is ashkenazic. My uncle was born in Poland. "Jack" is unlikely to be his given name. Our son will have a "Hebrew Name" of Ephraim, likely. That was the name of my relatively recently deceased uncle. Can you discuss Jewish naming tradition in this context ?

Answer
Dear Peter,

Thanks for writing and congratulations on your forthcoming joy.

Ashkenazi tradition normally does not name a child for a living relative - as do the Sefardim. However, whether it is possible for Ashkenazim to use a name  even if that name is used for a different relative, as in the case you mention with "Jack" -  that is a question for your Rabbi of your synagogue.

Obviously I should and would not contradict your Rabbi or  make a decision for the members of another congregation.

Check with your Rabbi, please with the various details of your situation and ask for his/her guidance.

Most importantly, enjoy your family and continue with your wife's instruction.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov  

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

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Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

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I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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