Customer Reviews

Beyond Sarah and Sam: An Enlightened Guide to Jewish Baby Naming

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My husband and I did not find this book helpful at all. The list it has..ugh...would you really name your child HARPO??? My husband is Israeli and I am American and we were looking fr a baby naming book that would help...this was not it...the names listed are names you yourself know and do not need a book..ie David, Jonathon, Avi.....

As an Israeli and a "name freak", I found the authors' editorializing approach nearly offensive. Who are they to decree whether a name is a "girls' name" or a "boys' name", or "in" or "uncool"? These "facts" change about yearly.

In addition, their knowledge of Hebrew is spotty at best, which can be dangerous. For instance, they tell you that Asenath is a Biblical name, but do they tell readers that in Hebrew it's pronounced "oh-SNOT"? I found other similar but no less annoying misinformation as well. I recommend going Beyond Rosenkrantz and Satran...to other sources.

There was almost nothing usefull. The collection of names is very small and the names were either completely off, or something I already know. At the same time, I am aware of many Jewish names which were not included. The book does not explain the meaning of the names either! The only more or less interesting few pages were on Jewish naming tradition. About 25% of 114 pages are filled with quotes - what a waste of paper. If I wrote a book like that, I would be ashamed to release it!

I found the unique listing and advice very helpful. When trying to find names it is easy to find a list wth the meanings, what is difficult is to find creative ways to use that "First Letter" or to find a middle name to work well with the other name. At least There were advisories to those thousands who named their daughters after comets and chees . (Haley Brie!)