CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
115. The Name of a Convert
QUESTION: A mother and daughter wish to convert to Judaism. They have studied for two years and are ready to become part of the Jewish community. The mother will be named bat Avraham Avinu; may the daughter be designated as the daughter of her mother rather than bat Avraham Avinu if she is converted somewhat later than the mother? (Rabbi M. I. Silverman, Albany NY)ANSWER: The practice of naming a convert as “daughter/son of Abraham” is a custom rather than the law and so it is not mentioned in either the code of Maimonides (Yad Hil Issurei Biah) or by Joseph Karo (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah). The custom is old and was mentioned in the Tosefta (Git 6.6) in connection with a get (divorce). The notation of “daughter/son of Abraham” may have been used to remind the community that this proselyte may marry a mamzer (Shulhan Arukh Even Haezer 4.22), and that a proselyte may not be appointed as the King over our people. As these and a few other matters are of little significance for us in modern times we need not be strict about using the term “daughter/son of Abraham”. There is no obligation to use it at all. If, however, because of custom you wish to use it with the mother, that is appropriate. However, for the daughter it would be better to use the name of the mother and thereby to indicate both the family relationship and that the daughter has followed in her mother’s footsteps in her religious choice.January 1989
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