Last Post Today Before Leaving Dad's Home

In my previous post I linked to a book by Alexander Beider on Jewish names. It seems that was the short version.  Here's a description of the long version, called dictionary, rather than handbook.

The most comprehensive compilation and analysis of Ashkenazic given names ever: This 728-page book identifies more than 15,000 given names derived from just 735 root names. Each root name includes a detailed description of the origin (etymology) of the name, a list of the variant and derivative names displayed in a scheme that reveals how the variants evolved, and references to the more than 15,000 variations of the root names throughout the centuries -some dating back to the 11th century. An index to the 15,000 variations guides you to the proper root name.

It's good to know that if you want to know well researched authoritative information on a topic that it exists.  No need to shoot from the h and be stubborn in your ignorance, even when it comes to names.

On Friday morning a student called me over during leining and asked me very seriously why the leing mentions days 9,10, 11,12, when there are only eight days of Chanukkah.

Wishing everyone a happy last day of Chanukah.  I really liked this thought of a friend.