CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
32. The Changing of a Jewish
Name
QUESTION: A woman with two children has been divorced. She
has now married another man. Her first husband takes no interest in her children, nor does he
support them. The second husband has already formally adopted the children. Their last name
has been changed to the new family name. Can the Jewish name also be changed to reflect the
role of their new adoptive father? (Rabbi J. Salkin, Doylestown, PA) ANSWER: This
kind of a question arose frequently in the past when orphaned children were raised in a new
household . They were considered legally part of the household (Isserles to Shulhan
Arukh Hoshen Mishpat 42.15). Appropriate changes in legal documents, of course, had to be
made in order for them to inherit from their new household. They had the right to say
qaddish for their adoptive parents as well as their natural parents. The name of their
adoptive father could be used in all documents (Isserles to Shulhan Arukh Even Haezer
129), although it is equally appropriate to use the name of the natural father. Occasionally a
question has been raised about using the name of the adoptive father in a get; bediavad
this was always accepted (Teshuvat Yehuda; Shulhan Arukh Even Haezer 129.9). Even
the strictest authority simply added the word “hamgadlo” to the adoptive father’s name
whenever an occasion demanded its use (Nahalat Shiva 12.15). It is, therefore, clear that
nothing would stand in the way of changing the name of the children to that of the adoptive
father.April 1984
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.