[Avodah] Naming a Girl when there are no minyanim

[Prof. L. Levine]

>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis


Q. The minhag when naming a baby daughter is for the father to be called to the Torah for an aliya. After the aliya, a Mi Sheberach is recited which begins with a prayer for the mother’s health and concludes with a declaration of the new baby’s name. The name is established with this public announcement. Now that shuls are closed, should the parents wait to give the name until shuls reopen?


A. Rav Schachter responded that the parents should not wait. Although there is a minhag to name a baby after receiving an aliya, it is not mandatory to do so, and it is clear that this is a more recent custom. The parents should choose a name and immediately start using it. They should also let others know her name. In this manner, the name is established.

When should the name be given? The Minchas Yitzchak (4:107) writes that different communities have varied minhagim as to when to name a daughter. The Bnei Yisaschar maintains that a daughter should be named at the first opportunity, because a Jewish name infuses kedusha into the child. For a boy, one must wait to give the name at the bris, but a girl should be named as soon as the father receives an aliya. When no minyan is available, the baby should be named as soon as possible.

However, many communities have the minhag to wait until Shabbos. This is because it is appropriate for the family to make a special seuda/Kiddush in honor of the naming of their daughter and most people do not have the ability to do this during the week. Additionally, the kedusha of Shabbos adds to the sanctity of the name.

In our current situation where the father cannot be called to the Torah, he should follow the minhag of his community and either give a name as soon as possible or on Shabbos day.

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