Abbreviations as Names by Rabbi Meir Salasnik, Bushey Synagogue
We have noted that Sacks is often an abbreviation for zera kodesh, ‘holy seed’, implying that an ancestor died as a martyr rather than give up his Judaism. Similarly, Kot is short for kadosh v’tahor - ‘holy and pure’, also indicating a martyred ancestor.
There are abbreviations chosen by Cohanim and Leviim. Katz is short for Kohen Tzedek, ‘righteous priest’. A former lecturer of Jews’ College was Rabbi Eli Cashdan, who revised the translation of the Singer’s Siddur for the Centenary Edition. His name was an abbreviation either for Cohanim Sheluchei D’DaN, - ‘cohanim are our representatives’ or for Cohanim Sheluchei D’Rachama Ninhu - ‘cohanim are representatives of the All- Merciful’.
Possibly the most surprising abbreviated surname is Azulai, which is assumed to be short for Ishah Zonah Vechalalah Lo Yikachu, that a Cohen should not marry a harlot or profaned woman. (Leviticus Ch.21 v.7) The most famous holder of this name was the 18th century, Rabbi Chaim Yoseph David Azulai, known as the Chida, who visited London. Does the name indicate an erring ancestor, or does it indicate that this family was careful to observe this commandment?
A Segal is a Levi, the name being short for Sgan LeCehunah – ‘deputy to the priesthood’ or Sgan Levi - ‘a Levi who is a deputy’. One of my 19th century ancestors was Tzadok Halbetz, his surname being an abbreviation of HaLeviim Bnei Tzadok - ‘the Levites, sons of Zadok’ (Ezekiel Ch.44 v.15).
