Monday, July 14, 2014

Steven, Joseph, Michael

With names like
Steven, Joseph, Michael,
the kippah is the first thing I see,
But the names,
the names they get to me.

Teacher says to (other) Michael,
do you wear a yalmuka,
He tilts his head in response,
displays his bare head.

I know he's Jewish too,
but them,
the ones who look like
frum Yidden
with names like
Steven, Joseph, Michael,
what are they trying to hide?

4 comments:

  1. That's their English name, and it makes it easier to go by that in college. I have an English name, and go by it in college, makes it easier for everyone. All the Jews still call me by my Jewish name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I disagree. As a Lubavitcher, we are taught to wear our Jewish names with pride. Most of us don't even have English names. I don't see the point. The fact that they are Jewish and wearing kippot which already sets them apart, it seems kind of funny to then use a secular name. Like who are you kidding. I'd imagine that Hebrew names are not that hard to say. Whenever I tell people my name their reaction is, hm that's a pretty name, never heard it before, where is it from? Then they learn something new. I don't see why someone would use an English name when they were given a Hebrew name by the Torah.

      Delete
    2. Most of us don't have a choice. Our English name was given to us by our parents, and that's what we're registered with in college. Even if we don't go by that name in out personal lives, its hard not to in college.

      Delete
    3. My name on all class lists is my legal name. When the teacher gets to my name I politely ask them to call me by my nickname. Not that hard.

      Delete

THINK before you utter your thoughts.