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The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Episode 34: Jewish Identity – What’s in a name?

by Rabbi Dov Linzer (Posted on March 6, 2019)

Rav Moshe has a series of surprising responses to questions about Jewish names, and the importance of holding onto this distinction. Rabbi Linzer explains that Rav Moshe chose a strict and rational halakhic perspective instead of giving weight to the Midrashic tradition of “lo shinu et shemam.”

To learn the teshuvot along with Rabbi Linzer, follow the links below:

Iggros Moshe EH 3-35 About using English names

Iggros Moshe OH 4-66 Naming after an English name or finding a Hebrew equivalent

Iggros Moshe OH 5-10 Giving names in the vernacular