Hello friends,
If you follow me on social media, you probably noticed that I changed my name recently. I started going by my Hebrew name, Yardena (pronounced yaar-DEN-uh). As a baby, my parents gave me this name, and I've always loved it. Until now, I only used it in synagogue or other Jewish spaces. My Hebrew name was sacred, only to be used in ritual. Lately, though, I've been looking for ways to be more visibly Jewish. Some of you will laugh at this because I'm already pretty freaking Jewish. But when I started writing professionally again, I wanted my byline to announce my Jewishness. I wanted people who have never read my work or met me in person to see my name and know I'm a Jew.
Those of you who know me as Jordyn can continue to call me by that name if you want. You can also switch to calling me Yardena. I still feel connected to my English name and don't want to throw it away entirely. I'm still unsure if I'll always introduce myself as Yardena. I might be in some situations where Jordyn feels more natural.
I've been thinking about this decision for a few months now. Whenever I tried to decide whether I should change my name, though, anxiety took over, and my thoughts spiraled. I love both names and couldn't decide which one I wanted as my primary identifier. But eventually, I realized that I didn't have to choose. I can be both Jordyn and Yardena. These are my names; they belong to me. I can use them however I want, and other people's opinions don't really matter. That realization was a weight off my shoulders. It gave me the permission I was searching for. I wrote an article that goes into my name change a bit deeper, and I hope you'll read it.
Our names are our stories. They tell everyone who we are under the surface and give our backstory to the world. My parents named me Yardena after the Jordan River, whose waters flow down from the Golan Heights. They gave me a name I could draw on when I needed strength. Now others will see that strength too.
Do you know what your name means? Have your parents told you why they gave you your name? I encourage you to find out if you don't already know. Send me an email and let me know your story! If enough people respond, maybe I'll make a section about our names in next week's newsletter.
Until then, have a great week,
Yardena