President's Column

I’ve asked myself many times since that fated decision the same question Juliet asks in Romeo and Juliet — “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” A name, Juliet argues, does not define the essence of something. A name alone does not define the person.

Yet in Jewish tradition, is this so? While not law, it is traditional for us to select a name for our children with meaning. As Rabbi Karen Companez describes this tradition in ReformJudaism.org's What to Expect at a Baby Naming: “Often the name is selected because the meaning of the word has significance to the family. Ashkenazic Jews… often select a name that commemorates a deceased relative of the baby in order to honor that person’s memory. Sephardic Jews… often follow the custom of naming their children after living relatives.” Our tradition also includes the taking or being given a new name during moments of transition, such as when Abram became Abraham.

In Jewish tradition, names reflect not only who we are, but who we might become. They can carry a story, intention, memory, and meaning.
Thanks to my email address, many of you know me as “Deb”, but to be honest “Deb” has never felt like a reflection of me, and now feels like the right time to let you all know. I was given the name Deborah, who’s story as a prophetess and judge in the Book of Judges always motivated me. Her strength, intelligence, and courage inspired me. And I grew up as “Debby,” which for me is a name of family, friendship, familiarity, and community. Each version of my name tells a story — each is true, each rooted in relationship.

The significance of a person’s name can be both — not imbue the inherent qualities of a person, and yet be aspirational, hopefully influencing what kind of person the owner of the name shall become.

For those who know me as “Deb”, I hope becoming comfortable with “Debby” or “Deborah” won’t cause much trouble, and I promise to change my email address one of these days! But what it comes down to is my desire to get to know each other. Please introduce yourself if I don’t know your name. I look forward to meeting you!