In Judaism, a Hebrew Name is not merely a conglomeration of letters put together as a convenient way to refer to someone.

A Hebrew Name becomes an actual definition of the individual – a description of a personality and an interpretation of traits. It may even be indicative of the person’s future, or perhaps a prayer that the person bearing this particular name shall live up to the potential expressed in the name.

Our Sages tell us that the name of an individual reflects his character and essence. It is what connects us to our spiritual soul, serving as the conduit to our spiritual sustenance and nourishment.

Therefore, the giving of a name is a serious undertaking and involves a great responsibility.

The Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (known as the An HaKadosh) writes, “When a person is born and his father and mother give him his name…the Holy One puts into their mouth the particular name required for that soul.”

Arizal writes that the nature and behavior of a person, whether good or bad, can be found by analyzing his name. Even the numerical value of the name’s letters indicates the individual’s character and personality.

A Hebrew name is a spiritual call sign, embodying your unique character traits and G-d-given gifts.

There is a spiritual connection between the name of an individual and his soul.

The word “Neshama” (soul) stems from the word “Neshima” (breath), for it is the ‘breath’ of God that gives life to man (see Genesis 2:7).

A soul’s essence is Divine, and a person’s name defines this essence.

The central letters of the word “Neshama” are “Shem,” meaning name.

Some have written that the higher soul comes to the child when he is given his Hebrew name (Sefer Me’or Gadol).

A Hebrew Name is to be treasured…

“Every Man Has Three Names: One His Father and Mother Gave Him. One Others Call Him. And One He Acquires Himself!” Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:1.3

Many years ago I enjoyed the honor of assisting Bar/Bat Mitzvah students (in Los Gatos, California) in understanding and finding meaning in their Torah portion, and writing a D’var Torah to deliver on their special day.

One portion, Bamidmar, perplexed me. The entire torah portion was names, “V’eileh Shmot!”

This portion illustrated the census taken before the children of Israel left Mount Sinai and journeyed into the desert toward the promised land.

I asked the advice of my Rabbi at Congregation Shir Hadash and will always remember her words.

“Every name is important. Every name counts. Every name is recorded and remembered. Everyone’s individuality and role contributes to the strength of our people.”

Years later, after wanderings of my own, I sat in San Diego as this Torah portion came around once again.

My children were scattered and were forging lives in their own directions.

My beloved mother died and I didn’t know her Hebrew name in order say “Kaddish” and had to ask family members.

I volunteered at our Shul to enter Yahrtzeit dates and next to “Hebrew Name” there were so many blank spaces.

I discovered there was not one registry to enter our Hebrew names!

Suddenly, it became passionately important to me to create a Hebrew Name Registry, where our names can be recorded, remembered, and accessed for life cycle events.

It was important to me that this registry include the English name, Hebrew Name, date of birth, AND a story about  the person memorialized.

For my daughter Meredith (Davida) who is named after my special grandfather David Glasser, I wanted a place to record my memories of “Davey,” who loved to shower us with silver dollars. This is the soul she keeps alive, with her generosity and love of life.

My grandson Jacob, Le’al, named after my mother Leah Leah, can read how my mom used to type my papers late at night…with one finger, and loved to hear me play “My Ship” on the piano. Her qualities of love, kindness, and joy are passed on to Jacob.

As time went on, friends suggested that they would also like to update continuing Jewish lifecycle events such as the dates of circumcision, Bar Mitzvah (and even the Torah portion), and Yartzeit.

I was encouraged to add a history of Hebrew names, naming ceremonies, a database of names and their meanings, a Hebrew birthday calculator, and beautiful printable certificates honoring this momentous occasion.

Welcome to my dream come true:  Hebrew Name Registry!

Barbra Drizin

Y’chezkeilah