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Answer: In our Sedra, Avram and Sarai have their names changed to Avraham and Sarah, alluding to their elevated status as (future) leaders of a great nation. Yakov, Yehoshua and Binyamin, among others, will also undergo name changes. When and when not is this advisable in Jewish practice?
There is a Kabbalistic idea that parents are given a sense of Divine inspiration when they name their child, and if that name is used publicly for 30 days, it is best not to change the name. But there are exceptions: A name may be changed if that person is very ill (or an additional name - such as Chaim or Chaya - is added, which is what usually is done); if the name has negative connotations or was a villain (Nimrod or Vashti would be examples); or if the name causes embarrassment (Moran, if living in America?) or depression to the person. It is highly questionable to change a "normal" name on the advice of someone who claims to have "higher knowledge" and asserts that the name is not "a good fit" for the person.
To change the name, we traditionally say a "Mi Sheberach" at Torah reading using the new name. There is also a special Tefila at the end of many books of Tehilim that can be recited. But simply using the name for 30 days also establishes it.
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
