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ArchivesRe: Jewish given names meaning rabbi or priest
in reply to a message by Getb
I don't believe there are any first names with that meaning, since priesthood is sacred and more of a title in Jewish culture, which would make it inappropriate as a name. At least in the past.
However, you can use any term for a priest as a name, technically.
For example, Gabbai and Chazzan are terms for priests.
Aliyah - a person who is chosen to read a blessing from the Torah, has a role in the service but is not an actual priest. This also happens to be a first name for females, and a current Jewish word.
I am not sure what you need the name for, but Cohen is probably the most mainstream word that doubles as a surname and given name. However, it would be mildly offensive to give the name to a Jewish baby.
Ancient Jewish culture ascribes great meaning to names, that usually reflect a wish for the child or a retelling of the parents experiences, or even a revelation. Never a title though.
Hope that helps!
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"How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve upon the world." -Ann Frank
Mama to my "bright star" Clarisse Bituin and Wife to Julius. Mahal na mahal from our little family to yours!
However, you can use any term for a priest as a name, technically.
For example, Gabbai and Chazzan are terms for priests.
Aliyah - a person who is chosen to read a blessing from the Torah, has a role in the service but is not an actual priest. This also happens to be a first name for females, and a current Jewish word.
I am not sure what you need the name for, but Cohen is probably the most mainstream word that doubles as a surname and given name. However, it would be mildly offensive to give the name to a Jewish baby.
Ancient Jewish culture ascribes great meaning to names, that usually reflect a wish for the child or a retelling of the parents experiences, or even a revelation. Never a title though.
Hope that helps!
______________________________________________
"How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve upon the world." -Ann Frank
Mama to my "bright star" Clarisse Bituin and Wife to Julius. Mahal na mahal from our little family to yours!
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Replies
I'm Jewish. Interesting post.
Technically, "aliyah" is not the person who is called up to read from the Torah. It is the act of being called up to read from the Torah, called "making aliyah" or "being called up for an aliyah" etc.
In recent years, making aliyah has also taken on a political meaning, that of Jews returning to the land of Israel.
Technically, "aliyah" is not the person who is called up to read from the Torah. It is the act of being called up to read from the Torah, called "making aliyah" or "being called up for an aliyah" etc.
In recent years, making aliyah has also taken on a political meaning, that of Jews returning to the land of Israel.
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You are right. Important distinction for aliyah. If used as a name though, I suppose it would bear more significance as am rather than a title.
I have heard of the modern connotations of the word. That made me wonder whether it was usable in Jewish culture today. Kind of like using Adilet in Kazakhstanm today (it's now the name of a political party).
I have heard of the modern connotations of the word. That made me wonder whether it was usable in Jewish culture today. Kind of like using Adilet in Kazakhstanm today (it's now the name of a political party).
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Thanks, I was doing the etymology for my nephew (he is Jewish on his father's side) and I loved the implication of him being called Adam Cohen... But Cohen was his surname, so I wanted a given name to replace the surname in my own son the day I had one. (For me its a tribute to the Golem legend with Adam standing for the Golem and Cohen standing for the creator of the Golem, body and mind, together as heroes).
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