What's in a (Jewish) Name? with Dr. Debby Koren

For Crypto-Jews who returned openly to Judaism, use of a Jewish name, perhaps the one they had before converting, perhaps one their parents had secretly given them, or perhaps one they adopted upon their return to Judaism, was clearly an important aspect of their renewed identity. How important is our name to our identity today? How important was a Jewish name to a Jew’s identity throughout the ages? What, in fact, is a “Jewish name”? We can think about - and perhaps discuss - these questions while studying the case of a Portuguese Jew, a former converso, residing in the Ottoman Empire. He inquired about the use of his Christian name in correspondence with business connections and family who are located in Iberia. His concern was that the appearance of his Jewish name in any correspondence might endanger the recipient, or his own property being managed there. Does the use of his Christian name indicate a lack of loyalty to his Jewish faith?
You may hear Drora's discussion with Dr. Koren about the full book here newbooksnetwor....
About the speaker:
Debby Koren is an independent researcher in the fields of halakha and responsa literature. She has lectured and taught Talmud and halakha in informal and formal adult settings. She has a Ph.D. in mathematics from The City University of New York and an M.A. in Talmud and Halakha from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem.
Koren's latest book, "Responsa in a Historical Context" is out now and can be purchased 20% off with discount code KOREN at www.academicst...
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