6 minute read
What’s in a name?
By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb
There were four second generation Holocaust survivors who lit candles during the traditional candle lighting ceremony at the Kristallnacht program presented by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue in Naples on Sunday, Nov. 17. As each 2G candle lighter introduced themselves, most of the 700+ people in attendance didn't pay particular notice to their names. But to the many other Jewish attendees, particularly the second generation survivors in the audience, names resonate deeply, because they know many of them carry the name of someone in their family who was murdered during the Holocaust.
Three of the four 2G candle lighters have names that are a direct connection to their family's loss:
• Felicia Anchor was named after her grandmother Fela.
• Harriet Berneman was named after her grandmother Chaya.
• Jack Abel was named after his grandfather Itzhak.
Carrying the name of someone who has died is not a Jewish-only thing, but it can be a burden of sorrow to carry the name of someone murdered during the Holocaust. A parent is reminded of their loss often — as they call you, see you, talk to you or talk about you — which can be difficult to handle. But those who carry the name understand why it was done and learn to accept the heaviness that it brings.
What about names for those who convert to Judaism? Since each Jew is recognized by their first name as well as their parents' first name, that would put a first generation Jew in a bind. They can choose a Jewish name and append "bat Sarah" or "ben Avraham."
Using a surname is a later development. Kohen, Levy and Israel are the original surnames from the Israelite tribes. Through time, these names have been expanded/influenced by family history and ethnic group, i.e., "ben Avraham" might become "Abrahamson." Sephardic surnames reflect the languages spoken by the Sephardic subset of the Jewish diaspora, including Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.
During the Holocaust, many Jews were automatically tagged as Jewish by the authorities by inserting "Sara" or "Israel" as their middle name.
"This middle name became a mandatory addition required by a law of August 17, 1938. Thereafter, all Jewish women in Germany with a first name of ‘non-Jewish’ origin had to add ‘Sara’ as a middle name on all official documents. Jewish men had to add the name ‘Israel.’ This enabled German officials to identify them as Jewish." (https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/ content/en/document/german-passport-issued-to-alice-sara-mayer-inside)
On top of all this, there is the use of two first names for Jewish males — and now for females —in denominations that perform bat mitzvahs. The first name includes a religious name in Hebrew (the shem hakodesh) and a secular name in the vernacular language (the kinnui). This is an interesting scenario for immigrants.
If you were born in Eastern Europe and your first name was Menachem (Hebrew) Mendel (Yiddish), when you arrived in America, the Yiddish would be changed to English. Note that if you're doing genealogical research, you'll need to know the secular name, because that is what is used in civil documents. The religious name is used in Jewish religious observances such as circumcisions, marriage or divorce contracts, and on a matzeva (tombstone).
Of course, all of this will probably lead to other questions that are worth exploring. You can visit the websites listed below. https://www.thebump.com/a/babynaming-traditions-around-the-world https://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ givennames/index.html
Upcoming programs of interest
"Resistance: They Fought Back" film and reception to recognize GenShoah SWFL – Sunday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m. at Beth Tikvah of Naples – GenShoah members will be special guests at Beth Tikvah for a documentary film about resistance activities during the Holocaust. This groundbreaking film uses forensic technology to uncover a deeper and fuller story, filled with new revelations that have yet to be told. Refreshments will be included. RSVP is required to office@bethtikvah.us.
Open House and New Member Reception for all GenShoah members and survivors – Monday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center – The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center will host GenShoah members for this event featuring Dina Shein’s presentation of "The Bukharan Jews,” also to include light refreshments and a short tour of the Museum for anyone interested. A special invitation to join us is extended to new members. RSVP is required; visit hmcec.org.
From Despair to Hope: The Music of Schindler's List – Monday, Jan. 27, 2-3:30 p.m. at Temple Shalom Sanctuary – John Williams' 1993 award-winning musical score for Steven Spielberg's epic Holocaust film, “Schindler's List,” remains one of the most recognizable contemporary works in American popular culture. Join Dr. Tom Cimarusti as he explores Williams' art, focusing on how the composer's music enhances the moving image and the film's narrative, as well as how specific compositional techniques reinforce themes of sadness, hope and Jewish identity. RSVP required; visit https:// tinyurl.com/TS-MusicSchindlersList.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center:
• Complimentary admission to the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center — Monday, Jan. 27, 1-3 p.m. — RSVP required; visit hmcec.org.
• Film showing of "My Italian Secret" — Monday, Jan. 27, 6:45 p.m. at Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center — RSVP required; visit jewishnaples.org.
This is the date of the liberation of Auschwitz and has been designated by the United Nations as one of Holocaust Remembrance. The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center will be open and welcoming to all, long time and firsttime visitors alike.
About GenShoah SWFL
GenShoah SWFL is a group for children and descendants of Holocaust survivors, and anyone interested in the mission of GenShoah of SWFL. There are no dues or forms to fill out. If you would like to receive our newsletter and program announcements, just send an email to liebro@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to help with future programs, please let us know that too!
Thank you to those who support our mission, read the newsletter, attend GenShoah programs and are members of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. As in our mission, we encourage all GenShoah members to also join the Museum. For information about membership please email hmcec.org.
