עברית
Faith
The Meaning of the Name "Gaia"
Question
Greetings esteemed Rabbi... I would like to begin by saying that I believe we are fortunate to have a website like Hidabroot; thank you for your efforts and everything you do so that we can enjoy and learn from our holy Torah... Last week, my cousin's daughter was born, and they held a naming ceremony for her on Shabbat, naming her "Gaia"—a name I have learned through a brief inquiry is not recommended at all. Could you please provide me with details and your recommendation? Additionally, someone else in the family received a suggestion to add a name to change her fortune or whatever it may be... Her name is Rachel, and the argument I heard from them was that she suffers greatly, comparing it to the suffering of our matriarch Rachel. A proposal was made to name her something related to Adar or Purim, one being "Hadar" and the other "Hadassah" (like Esther the Queen's name). What do you think should be done regarding this? Is it possible to speak with the Rabbi? In any case, thank you very much... Thank you for the time you have dedicated to me...
Answer
Greetings and blessings
I do not recommend consulting on name changes after the fact for a close family member who is making their own decisions. Gaia can succeed if she learns to harness the letters in her name in the right direction. Regarding Rachel's suffering, there is something to that, and if she is advised to add a name, it is advisable that it also includes the letter `H`.
By the way, I know several `Rachel` who have grown, succeeded, and even borne fruit.
Wishing success - Menashe Israel
