On the 18th, many of Zain's family members gathered to participate in his naming ceremony.
About the naming tradition:
It is customary for Jewish parents to give their children two names. A secular name for use in the gentile world, and a Hebrew name for religious purposes. Hebrew names are used for calling men and women to the Torah. Certain prayers, such as the memorial prayer or the prayer for the sick, also use the Hebrew name. Legal documents, such as the marriage contract or ketubah, use the Hebrew name. Today, many American Jews give their children both English and Hebrew names. Often the two names start with the same letter. Judaism places great importance on the naming of each new child. In the Hebrew Bible in particular and in Jewish tradition generally, a person's name reflects his or her character. It is also believed that the name of a person or thing is closely related to its essence. In the act of naming, parents connect their children to the traditions of the past and previous generations, and in so doing, literally bring those traditions to life. In the act of naming, the parents are also making a statement about the future and express their hope for what their child will become.
Zain was named after Amy’s great grandmother, Zina, who was tough as nails and sweet as sugar. Ian, after Doug’s maternal grandfather Ira, who was a hardworking immigrant who had a special impact on Doug’s life.
We gave Zain the Hebrew name "Ziv" which means radiance or brilliance.
During the ceremony, Aunt Nikki presented the Whiting family quilts. Grandma Reta's cousin Annie made Zain an amazing colorful quilt that Zain plays on everyday. Gradma Reta's sister Dottie and cousins Ila, Lynnette, and Connie remade a red and white quilt that Zain's Great Great Grandmother made for his Great Grandmother Rieta. It was very touching.
