What's In a Name? (1)

Paul is a lucky guy. He is named after three wonderful people whom we miss. His English name is Paul Andrew, his Hebrew name is Peretz Chaim ben Shemarya Aharon H'Cohen v' Batya Gila.

The first is Beren's father, Paul, who passed away just this year. We never wanted to name a child after him, but there is no greater way to honor his memory. Paul's Hebrew name was Peretz Nachman.

The second is Beren's uncle, Andrew, who passed away in 2001. Andrew was funny, loving, and generous; we hope that our child shares those qualities. Andrew's Hebrew name was Aharon Chaim. We chose Chaim rather than Aharon because my middle name is Aharon.

The third is my great-grandmother, Chaika Broitman. Although I never knew her, I've heard stories for years about her. Chaika is a Russian Yiddish version of Chaya; Chaim is the masculine equivalent.

Peretz means "Burst Forth," which is actually how he came into this world (three big contractions and he was out). In the Torah (Genesis 38:29), Peretz was a son of Judah and Tamar. Sometimes transliterated as Perez, it is actually not Spanish. Chaim means life. We feel it is a auspicious name - and an integral part of Fiddler on the Roof.

All in all, we think the names suit him well.