Ask Wendy
Naming Tradition Applies To Hebrew Name
Dear Wendy:
My husband comes from a long
line of assimilated Jews. His name is
James
III. His father was James II
and he would like our son to be
James IV Naming a child after a liv-
ing person goes against every Jewish
conventional wisdom. We are at an
impasse. Is it true that Sephardim
name their children after people who
are alive?
—What's in a name?
It is true that Sephardim will
sometimes name a child after a living
relative, but it is also true that the
Ashkenazi custom is definitely not
to.
However, I write bearing good
news: long before Jewish children
received names like James and
Charles, they were called Yaakov and
Binyamin. The custom of not nam-
ing after a living relative refers to a
person's Hebrew name. If a Roman
numeral is that important to your
husband, your
son's English
name can follow
his family's tradi-
tion. Then, you
and your hus-
band can come
up with a
Hebrew name
WENDY
for your child
BELZBERG
that will add
Special to
something new
the Jewish News
to the family tra-
dition. Clearly,
life was easier for th e Jews — or at
least naming babies was — before
they could lay claim to dynastic pre-
tension.
Dear Wendy:
Last year, an old friend came to
me with an idea for a business.
Actually, he was looking to me to be
the money guy for this venture. I
was intrigued with his plan..
A problem arose when he intro-
duced me to his partner. The part-
ner didn't think I was "the right fit"
for him. My friend thanked me for
my interest, but basically dropped
me from his plans.
I was furious. I had started to
make phone calls on his behalf and
felt very exposed. Now I don't even
talk to him. This pains me because
we've been friends for years.
I almost called him after Yom
Kippur, but chickened out. I see this
as a breach of friendship. He tried to
contact me after our daughter's bat
mitzvah, but I never returned his
call. Am I a heel?
—What's wrong?
A heel, no. Insecure, probably. It
was your friend's idea to begin with.
Did he make a commitment to you?
Did he ask you to make phone calls
on his behalf? Just because you have
the money doesn't mean you are enti-
tled to join the party. I don't know
how far down the road you went
with your friend or how he handled
the situation — if he was as tactful
and apologetic for any inconvenience
he may have caused you. One thing
do know: if the business was his idea
he is-not obligated to you just
because you expressed interest in
signing on.
Business is business. Friendship is
friendship; a church and state rule
should be in effect here. I think you
lost sight of what is important. Yom
Kippur is just three months away, bui
if I were you, I wouldn't wait that
long to make the call. O
Write to "Ask Wendy" at 954
Lexington Ave. #189, New York,
NY 10021, or e-mail
askvvendy@thejewishnews.corn
An Intimate And Elegant Enclave Of
Detached Condominium Homes In West Bloomfield.
Enchanting wooded setting overlooking a meandering stream.
Gracious first-floor master and two-story plans from 3,150 sq. ft.
Classic architecture, brick driveways, walks and porches.
Incredible standard features include: granite countertops,
oak flooring, two fireplaces with marble surrounds, premium appliances,
two-person Jacuzzi and more!
FROM THE S5
2001
106
ASSOCIATES-WEST. INC. • REALTORS f
Lauren Bruss
Associate Broker
248-851-6900 ex-t. 252
248-932-5696
For sale 2 unit house,
1600 sq. ft., 1st and 2nd
floor with a permit to
rent both.
Beautifully decorated model open daily noon to 6 p.m. (Closed Thurs.).
www.hermanfrankel.corn
RALPH
mkki MANUEL
Rental
5161,000
WOODS
6/29
or
$1,400/month
506 N. Washington
Daventry
with waterfront views compliment this 3,400 sq.
ft. soft contemporary with Bloomfield Hills
schools. Extensive updating make this five
bedroom home a must see. Well priced at
$449,900. Call for details.
2 bedrooms, 2 baths, immac-
ulate, beautifully decorated,
I -car attached garage, fin-
ished basement, must see.
$169,900 For Saie
ROYAL OAK
c
oki S
Pre sen tcd by
INCREDIBLE SETTING
West Bloomfield
Chimney Hill
Ranch Condo
Farmington Rd. between Maple Rd. and 14 Mile Rd.
NEW LISTING
Fantastic West Bloomfield Contemporary
4 bedroom, 2.5 bath colonial with
award-winning W. Bloomfield schools.
Cranbrook
REALTORS
Contact Marcy Fruman
248-626-8700x223
248-8.; -3500
OAK ,PARK
BERKLEY SCHOOLS
Open Sun., July 1, 12-6
14421 Borgman
1010 sq. Fu. 1967. 3 bed-
rooms, I bath. Updated
kitchen. Partially finished
basement. New appliances.
New air conditioner.
$1 36,000
248-542-1093
Call for information
248-884-3036
248461-2232
West Bloomfield
1350 sq. ft. ranch, large corner
lot, I-car detached garage and
carport, covered Florida
room, all appliances.
SI51,000
Call for information
248-884-3036
248-661-2232