Can I Use a Non-Jewish Name in Business?

No, you absolutely should not.

The importance of a Jewish name is explained in many places, probably the most potent source is what Chazal say regarding the Yidden in Mitzrayim:

“In the merit of three things did the Jews go out of Mitzrayim; They didn’t change their style of dress, their language, and their names.” These are three areas through which a person defines his identity to the world around him. [Even while being idolaters and abandoning many mitzvos, even basic ones like Bris Mila,] they maintained a proud Jewish identity and didn’t try to assimilate into the Egyptian society.

One of the ways to explain this is the following:

To some, being a Jew is something you do; you do Jewish things, I do Torah, and I do Mitzvos. Therefore, the time to do it is when I’m in Shul, in Yeshiva, in the community — that’s when I identify with my Jewishness.

And then there are times when I do my personal things; eating, drinking, sleeping, going out and doing business. There is nothing Jewish about them — a goy also eats and sleeps and does business… So, in the business world, I’ll use a different name, which will make me “fit in” better and maybe be more successful.

But the truth is that this is not what Judaism is all about. It’s not something you only do and perform.

Yiddishkeit is my essence, it’s who I am. That’s what truly defines me, it’s what I’m all about. And everything I do in life is all part of me living as a Jew and fulfilling my purpose as a Jew. Everything I’m involved with, even if not directly “Jewish,” is there to enhance my serving Hashem.

So, therefore, if a person has two choices; to use the name Ya’akov, for example, or the name Jack, he has an important decision and statement to make, as actions speak louder than words:

The fact that a person would choose to use the name Jack indicates in a sense that he doesn’t see his Jewishness as what truly defines his essence. “There are times when I’m not Yaakov; there are times when I’m someone else, who isn’t a Jew” is what he’s declaring.

When, however, a person goes out to the world to work and is doing business just like everyone else, but uses his Jewish name and business associates refer to him with his Jewish name, he’s conveying this message: “Being a Jew is my essence and is what defines me unconditionally. There is no limit of time or space or occupation on me being my true self — a Jew.

And in fact, this what it means “Kol ma’asecha l’shem shomayim” or “bechol derachecha da’eihu.” These words say that everything you do should be for the sake of Heaven and that you should know Hashem in all your ways. Hashem isn’t limited just to Davening and learning; anything and everything a person does is part of his mission as a Jew in this world serving Hashem!

So, when I’m in business with a Jewish name, I’m constantly reminded why I’m there:

I make sure that I follow all the rules that are related to honesty; I Daven before I go to business; I make sure that I deal with people in a proper and appropriate way; I conduct myself in a way that creates a Kiddush Hashem; If I have an opportunity to speak to another Jew about putting on Tefillin or about doing a Mitzvah I do so, and I try to create such opportunities.

So going to work is just another place that I was sent to by Hashem to light up with my true essence and identity which is the same from the beginning till the end of the 24 hours of the day, no matter where I am and what I’m doing.

Obviously, I will identify myself by my Jewish name, because it’s not just a matter of a name, this is a message to myself and those around me: Yiddishkeit is me. ■