2752 —גישת הרבי לקריאת שמות לילודים והדרכת הורים

B"H, 27 Sivan, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Menachem Nachum Yitzchak Eizik Chanun

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter from the 21st of Sivan, in which you share the good news that your daughter Shterna Freida gave birth to a son—mazal tov! May it be G‑d's will that his parents bring him into the covenant of Avraham Avinu at a good and auspicious time, and just as he enters the covenant, so may he enter Torah, marriage, and good deeds. May your eyes see and be satisfied with much chassidic nachas from him and from all your descendants, in good health and with peace of mind. May you also be able to share good news regarding the other matters you mentioned in your letter, and I will mention them at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal.

Regarding what you wrote asking for advice on how to name the newborn child: It is well known that my father-in-law, the Rebbe, would not get involved in such matters. This is understood based on what is written in the writings of the AriZal (Shaar HaGilgulim ch. 23; see also Shaar HaMitzvos Shemot end of parshah), also brought in Or HaTorah at the end of Bereishis (and Likkutei Amarim by the Maggid), that from Above parents are given inspiration on how to choose a name for their newborn son or daughter—the name appropriate for this soul. As explained in many places in Chassidus (see also Likkutei Torah Behar 41c), the letters of a person's name are connected to the vitality of their soul and body.

With blessings of mazal tov.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that parents receive divine inspiration when naming their children; therefore, he does not suggest names himself. The choice is a spiritual responsibility uniquely entrusted to parents.