Behind the Name

Inquiring minds want to know!! What have we named this new little princess?

We named our daughter Temima Liba, which means a perfect or wholesome heart.

She was born during the Nine days preceding Tisha B'Av, a national day of mourning for the Destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The destruction took place partly due to Sinas Chinam, or baseless hatred, between fellow Jews, and because of that, the world is in a state of darkness and sheker (falsehood). Yaakov Avinu is called the Ish Tam (the Perfect or Wholesome Man) because he used both his inclinations towards good and evil in order to serve Hashem (G-d). Because of this completeness he merited to be given the gift of Emes (truth) or light. It is our blessing to our daughter that she should always be guided by this spiritual light, or the hand of Hashem, throughout her life. From such a perspective, Hashem's Master Plan and the important role that every person has in it are more visible. The antidote for sinas chinam (baseless hatred) is ahavas chinam (unconditional love), and when one can see another person's value, then freely showing love and appreciation comes naturally.

The Liba portion of our daughter's name comes from Shoshana's great aunt, Sylvia Slotnik, whose hebrew name was Sheva Liba. She was a very kind, determined, and strong woman, who always had an encouraging word and a smile to offer. She believed in picking the right choice in life, even when it wasn't the easiest choice. We hope our daughter emulates these good qualities, and with Hashem's help we will encourage her to reach her potential.

Every name has a pasuk (verse) in the Torah associated with it, highlighting the G-d given nature of that individual. The pasukim (verses) for Temima Liba both mention preparing for the ongoing war with the Yetzer Ha'ra (Evil Inclination). We daven (pray) that our Temima Liba will have access to those strengths and triumph over her inclination. We hope that, through her name, Hashem will give her the tools and strength necessary to fight the darkness that exists especially in this time of year around the day of Tisha B'Av. G-d willing we will see these Nine days and Tisha B'Av as a happy time very soon, with the ending of Sinas Chinam (baseless hatred) and the rebuilding of the Bais Hamekdash (the Holy Temple in Jerusalem), in its original glory, speedily in our days.

Here are some new pics to enjoy!

Getting snuggly

Sara Chana exchanging gifts with Temima Liba

Abba with his two princesses

Sleepy baby

Making faces already

Look! My eyes are open!

Sara Chana holding her new sister

"Are you my Abba?"

Time for my close-up