I want to begin my writing about the Kohenet initiation week by introducing myself — my new self. An initiation should leave a person feeling altered, and my Kohenet-Tzovah initiation was no exception. I will not be writing specifically about the initiation ritual — sorry you had to be there. I do want to talk about my new name, where it came from, and what it means. Many traditions include a new name as part of an initiation, but Kohenet is not one of those traditions.
“But wait,” you say, “you came home with a new name?”
Yes, I did. But everyone else did not. My new name was a true gift from RK’Jill Hammer (R=Rabbi K=Kohenet). Some time ago, I wrote about my issues with my names. Just before I was asked to inscribe my name in the “Sefer HaKohenot,” RK’Jill said she had a gift for me. It was a name. She remembered that I had said I didn’t want to name myself again and wanted to offer me one. It was Ketzirah, which means harvest. It fit perfectly. It fit about as comfortably as Carly does.
As soon as my sister Kohenot heard it, they all had the same reaction. They heard it for the first time during our initiation ritual. Ketzirah embodies everything I want to be and do moving forward. I don’t expect the people who have known me for years to stop calling me Carly, because I’ll always be her, but I am now going to begin weaving this new name into my life. My work with food and even my sister’s new venture Half Pint Harvest all speak as signs that Ketzirah is the future of my life.
I heard the call as Chava Chai, but now will begin the work as Ketzirah.
Technorati Tags: kohenet, tzovah, initiation, ketzirah, names, קצירה
I’m interested in the connection for Becoming between RainCatcher and Ketzirah/Harvest.
I can’t wait to see you soon!
That didn’t even occur to me. Wow. Things just get more and more interesting!
Congrats, Carly!
mazal tov, truly. it is interesting how important names are. i am a convert of patrilineal descent, and so i have chosen my name twice - once when i went to the mikveh and then later, when that chosen name no longer felt appropriate.
again. mazal tov.
Becoming and that name thing….
*cue Twilight Zone music**
I’m diggin’ it. A lot.
Mazal Tov!
A bit on the Hebrew side.
“Harvest” is “קָצִיר” (Katzir). this term reffers to the general process of ripping the crop and the time of year of doing so.
Ketzira - “קְצִירָה”, on the other hand, is the actual act of ripping, or harvesting.
In that sense - it is a beautiful name, for it reminds us that the earth (though her infinat benevolence) needs us, as men and women. to act in order to accomplish the magical transformation of wheat into bread.
Shabat Shalom,
-Dotan.
Ketzirah (Carly), What a beautiful name, and so beautifully fits you as well. In so many ways! Congratulations! Hugs- Sib
Mazel Tov!