Series: Contemporary Halacha

Venue: Jerusalem Jerusalem

Halacha:

Contemporary Issues 

Midrash:

Midrash Rabbah - Torah 

Parsha:

Bereishit,  Shemot 

Description

The greatness of man lies in his ability to give a name. This is established by Chazal in the Midrash in Beraishis. But what's in a name? We will discuss the significance of giving a name. How do the parents decide which name to give? Who helps the father of the boy at the latter's bris to come up with the right name? Why do Bnei Yisrael merit Geula because they didn't change their names? Some of the contemporary poskim, with Rav Chaim Konefski at the helm, reject certain names. Why? We will see the writings of the Ari zal and of the giants of Chassidus on the metaphisical importance of a name. In this light we will understand why so much care must be taken when changing a name, e.g. for a sick person. The girl's naming is no less imp.