- Family and Society
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Conversion last name
Question
Do you have to change your surname when you convert to Judaism? And what is the meaning of changing your name?
Answer
Shalom!
You definitely don't have to change your family name, just as many Jews from birth have a variety of last names, from languages of all of the different exiles, including Yiddish, German, Russian, Arabic etc. Nevertheless, of course it would be commendable and a nice idea to choose a Hebrew last name to feel and be seen just like any other Jew, and to be proud of your newly chosen people. Many rabbis actually Hebraicized their names upon making aliya to the Land of Israel, to feel that much more Jewish (like Rabbis Neria, Yisraeli, Goren, Yashar, Ra’anan, and many more), as I did myself (from Chwat to Shvat)! As you probably are aware, the halachic name for aliyot to the Torah, ketuva for marriage etc., will be Ben-Avraham, the son of Avraham.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat

Thank you
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 6, 5781

Do you get your fathers tribe if you convert?
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 24, 5781

Conversion
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tammuz 29, 5782

Convert’s Birthday
Various Rabbis | 27 Iyyar 5764

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Ayin hara and Rambam
Tevet 28, 5771

Orla
Shevat 19, 5771

Writing a Torah Scroll in English
Adar II 25, 5771

Food, medications and Yom Kippur
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 13, 5780

Taking advil on Yom Kippur
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 10 Tishrei 5768

chapped skin and lips on Shabbat
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 16, 5773

Rinsing Mouth on Yom Kippur
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 8 Tishrei 5766

Urgent School Project
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Elul 25, 5783
