• Derivation wo '4 ILI et( Ancient For `Chimoff' A Pi The following surname origins were requested by readers of L'Chayim's "What's in a Name" column. Chimoff was derived from the diminutive of Shimon, which became Shimmel, Shimme or son of Shimon or Simon. Kleinman, is a descriptive name which means small or short man. Many families using this surname and the name Klein, originated in Hungary. The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, 10 vols., N.Y., 1939-1948, has a biographic sketch of a Kleinman family from the 19th to 20th Century. The Unbroken Chain, by Neil Rosenstein, also makes reference to a family of this name. Nuch was probably derived from the Hebrew Noich or Noah — thus son of Noah. Tabachnik is the Russian and Polish word for a producer or seller of snuff. The Encyclopaedia Judaica, lists an Abraham Ber Tabachnik (1901-1970) who was a well known poet and essayist, born in the Ukraine. He immigrated to New York in 1921 and worked for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The name Tobin may be a derivation of the name Tobias, son of Tobias. This surname could also have originated from the biblical place named the Land of Tob. "A man of Tob", meant a "man of Israel" or a "man of God." Press/Presser/Pressman was the name for a tailor or a person who pressed clothing. Families using this name could also have originated in the city of Pressburg, which is now Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. The Encyclopaedia Judaica, discusses a leading seismologist, Frank Press, born in Brooklyn in 1924. He taught at Columbia and M.I.T. Universities and was on the Presidential Scientific Advisory Board from 1961 to 1964. It also refers to Yeshayahu Press (1874-1955) born in Jerusalem and a famous author, historian and topographer. Buhler/Buehler originated from an ancestor who lived in the city of Buhl, Germany. The Encyclopaedia Judaica lists a Charlotte Buhler, born in Berlin, 1893, famous clinical psychologist. She taught at the University of Vienna until 1938 and escaped to the United States in 1940. She published many books on social behavior of children and taught at the University of Southern California. Weinshenk denotes an ancestor who was a dealer or producer of wine. Simkovitz is a name adapted from Simkin, descendant of Simon or Shimon. Miller/Millman/Milstein are all names used by persons who were millers. Yolles/Yale/Yollek/Yoelberg/Yoelson all names stemming from the Hebrew word for Joel (Yoel). Cogan is the Slavic form for Cohen/Kohen. It indicated a priestly origin. Betty Provizer Starkman is the past president and founder of the genealogical branch of the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan. w rite 4. 006/ Family Havdalah Observance Saturday, Nov. 21 Jewish Experiences for Families and the Jimmy Prentis Morris Branch of the Jewish Community Center in cooperation with The Jewish News and L'Chayim Family Section will co-sponsor "When Three Stars Appear," a free community-wide Havdalah observance and celebration at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Morris Branch in Oak Park. The evening will include star gazing through the telescopes of experts William Beres and Norbert Vance, sing-alongs, dancing, refreshments and more. Sunday, Nov. 22 The Children's Sundae Sunday Theater will present mime O.J. Anderson at 1:30 p.m. L-6 FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 1987 Sunday in the DeRoy Theater at the main Jewish Community Center. Anderson's concerts stress physical movement, audience participation and emotional expression. Ice cream sundaes will be served following the performance. There is a fee. For information, call Jo Greene, 661-1000, ext. 344. Friday, Dec. 18 The Birmingham Temple will have a Chanukah family service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the temple. The service will be conducted by the students in the temple school, under the direction of Elaine Kamienny and Sheila Millman. A Chanukah party will follow the service. Children, parents and grandparents are invited. TOYS AND GAMES Tradition, a new children's edition of the popular Jewish trivia game. Available at Borenstein's. Inflatable mitzvah ball, for children up to age 6. Available at Borenstein's. AUDIO CASSETTES Uncle Moshe Visits Torah Island, children up to age 8. Available at Borenstein's. The Marvelous Midos Machine, Vol. 2, stories and songs, for children through age 12. Available at Borenstein's. Uncle Velvel's Shabbos World, Shabbat songs, for the whole family. Available at Borenstein's. Borenstein's is located at 25242 Greenfield, Oak Park. reA r Write To A Soviet Jew One way to learn about Jewish life around the world is to write to a Jewish family in another country. What is daily life like in the pen pal's country? What is Jewish life like? How are the holidays celebrated? To help our readers learn about Jews around the world, L'Chayim is making available addresses of Jewish families in communities abroad. This month, the address of Russian Jewish refuseniks was made available by the Detroit Soviet Jewry Committee of the Jewish Community Council. Before writing, please read these special rules for corresponding with Russian Jews: Letters should be personal, warm sympathetic, and should ask about birthdays, anniversaries and family events. Cards should be exchanged on these occasions and on the Jewish holidays as well. Avoid any anti-Soviet material and refrain from mentioning names of Soviet Jewry rescue organizations. Russian, Yiddish, Hebrew or English may be used. The standard way to address a letter to the Soviet Union is the reverse of the American Way: USSR, Name of Republic, Name of City, Address, Addressee (last name first). The fee is 44 cents per 1/2 ounce, up to two ounces. This month's refusenik family is that of Arkady Mai, his wife, Helena and 25-year-old daughter, Naomi. The family first applied for exit visas in 1974, and were refused on the grounds of "secrecy" and "state security." Although Mrs. Mai is a linguist, she has been unable to obtain employment in her field since applying for an exit visa. Naomi was denied permission to study in her chosen field of sociology, and is now attending a technical school where she studies management and civil engineering. Letters may be sent to the Mais as follows: USSR, RSFSR, Moscow 125445, Leningrad Shosse 112-1-3-709, Mai, Arkady. -\\ -\