Dear Rabbi
It seems that everyone is given a Hebrew name when they are born. I was born during the war and was not given a Hebrew name and even on my Ketuba my English name is written in Hebrew. Do I need a Hebrew name and if so, how do I go about choosing one?
Suzie
Dear Suzie
As a Hebrew name is intrinsically linked with the essence of one’s soul, it is of course especially meaningful to have one. I am deeply sorry as to the circumstances that prevented you getting one at birth and I am thinking that you should go with Shoshana which means Rose. Besides its common correlation with Suzie, it also reflects your circumstances, having been born during such a tragic time in history, bringing light into the prevailing darkness, like a rose amongst thorns. Perhaps you could get someone to make a special prayer for you by the Torah reading on Shabbat to formerly assume the name. But even if not, you could adopt it and make it yours. Wishing you only goodness in your future, Shoshana.