Adding the Name Elia
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Question
Hello and blessings, my name is Orael .. ..., and recently I have felt the desire to add a middle name – "Elia". This name deeply touches me – it conveys a deep spiritual connection, a sense of belonging to God, and it gives me a feeling of softness, faith, and balance that I feel I need at this stage of my life. I am considering this seriously with the intention that it will open a new chapter for me, bring renewed energy into my life, and help me express my inner identity more fully. I would like to know: • Are there any halachic or spiritual objections to adding such a name? • Is there any significance in receiving a blessing or saying "Mi Sheberach" for the purpose of adding a name? • And is there a correct way to do this – spiritually – so that the name is well embedded in the soul? Thank you in advance and blessings for your time and guidance.
Answer
Hello and blessings
There is no halachic objection to adding a name.
However, it is not recommended or customary to add a name unless there is a serious illness or similar situation. [See sources].
When adding a name, it should be announced publicly, such as calling the new name in the "Mi Sheberach" in the synagogue and similar practices.
Source
It is written in the book Tadir (Chapter 38, sermon for Rosh Hashanah): "But for a person to change their name every Yom Kippur is impossible due to the rectification of the world in matters of signatures, documents, and contracts, etc., and this is not customary except for someone who is seriously ill and in danger, to change their name, and perhaps the decree will be annulled".