Jews have developed two naming customs. In either case the Jewish name signifies a Jewish identity, an identity that comes to the fore especially in synagogue when one is called to the Torah. In the unit on birth we will discuss naming ceremonies.
Some people take on Jewish names as adults.
They may be converts or Jews from birth that were never given a Jewish name by their parents. In these cases names can be a sign of a new- found or deepening Jewish identity. Our first models for this mid-life change of name are Abraham and Sarah. According to Genesis God initiated this change. Mishpacha was initiated and funded by The Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture .