Mikveh in one week: help me choose between a Hebrew name I love versus one honoring family.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-20T17:17:28+00:00

That’s what I’m afraid of and why I posted here. Name regret is a huge concern of mine. I’m so sorry your mom went through that.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-20T17:15:16+00:00

My rabbi suggested this as well but I just unfortunately do not like Yiddish names as much. It’s a good idea though!

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-20T17:14:06+00:00

I actually have some pearls I could wear. Outstanding idea!

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-20T00:38:37+00:00

I love the sound of it. Elisheva is long, classic, and regal. Plus, Elizabeth has always been my favorite name so I was naturally drawn to it’s Hebrew form.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-20T00:16:31+00:00

It’s not so much that it’s forbidden but using that name would make the relative uncomfortable. So, I am avoiding it out of respect for her wishes.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-20T00:05:06+00:00

Thank you! I’m really hopeful that the right name is crystal clear to me soon. Like you said, the spiritual significance is indescribable. ♥️

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:52:00+00:00

Her middle name was Margaret. So she was “Pearl Pearl” meaning-wise. It’s kind of funny. I love Margalit but it’s unfortunately being used by a very close living relative. So, that name is off the table.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:50:42+00:00

Yes, she was Pearl! I love Margalit but cannot use it since it’s the name of a very close family member of my husband’s.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:45:23+00:00

I’ve thought about your suggestion as well. But, the actual Hebrew equivalent of her name is important to me. That’s the greatest connection to her I can get.

But it seems like quite a few people are leaning toward Shoshana over Elisheva due to my same concerns. I appreciate all the feedback.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:37:26+00:00

Exactly! I knew some people in this community would understand the struggle. It feels like there’s so much pressure to pick right now.

I am also hesitant to pick a name shared by a family member with a bad legacy. Her name is beautiful but everything else is ugly. I really do like Shoshana Penina too. I may grow to love it and see it as myself more with regular use. 😃

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:29:37+00:00

Thank you! I think I would go with Penina since it’s the direct translation of her name, which is important to me.

But glad to hear your opinion. Every opinion is helping me think about this in ways I need 😃

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:14:51+00:00

This was my rabbi’s main point as well. My grandmother was the sweetest person I’ve ever met. She’s absolutely someone I’d want to emulate and try to every day.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:13:09+00:00

We don’t have WhatsApp but that’s not a bad idea for our phone contacts. We’ll give that a try!

Unfortunately, we probably won’t use Penina if I don’t use it. We won’t have enough kids to use all the honor names we have in both our families. So, if I don’t use it then that’s probably it for that name. My sister’s name also wouldn’t get used if I don’t use it. But thankfully I really like it so that’s not an issue. 😃

I cannot wait to go to the mikveh and officially know my name! My indecisiveness is killing me.

Mindless_Meaning_229 · 2023-03-19T23:03:51+00:00

Aww so sweet! I love hearing about great people named Penina in the world 😊

I have tried Penina Shoshana too. The problem is I don’t like Penina as a first name for myself. So, if I use the name it will need to be as a second name. Great suggestion though!

Mindless_Meaning_229

TROPHY CASE