Saturday 17 December 2016

halacha - Is a convert allowed to keep the name of an Avodah Zarah?


If a convert to Judaism has the name of an Avodah Zarah, is he or she obligated to change it? For example, there are many Hindus today that have the names of Hindu gods such as Lakhshmi, Shiva, and Ganesha. To be clear, it is probably not the best idea for a Jew to have a name like that, but is it allowed?



Answer



The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 147) says that there is a prohibition to utter names of an idol, unless that name has been previously mentioned by the Torah itself.


However the Gra (147:3) says that it only applies to when the name was given for the purpose of Avoda Zarah. But if it was given as an ordinary name it is permitted


Thus according to the strict reading of the Shulchan Aruch. It would seem to be prohibited


But according to the Gra it is permitted.


It would seem to follow that the need to change your name would be dependent on these two opinions


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