Whether a man should consider a shidduch with a woman whose father shares the same name as he

The name of the recipient of this letter was not released.

B”H, 26 Shvat, 5711

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter informing me that you have been offered a shidduch and that the [name of the] father of the woman suggested is Avraham, and you ask my opinion with regard to the names.1

Look in the gloss entitled Makor Chessed to Tzavaas Rabbi Yehudah HaChassid2who mentions the authorities who rule leniently in such instances: the Chasam Sofer, Yoreh Deah, responsum 138, Even HaEzer, Vol. I, responsum 116; Heishiv Moshe, responsum 69; Divrei Moshe, Even HaEzer, responsum 8; Imrei Eish, Yoreh De’ah, responsum60, Tuv Taam Vadaas Tilisai, responsum 263; Kin’as Sofrim, supplements, sec. 27; Yad Shaul, Vol. II, responsum 240, sec. 4; Pischei Teshuvah, Even HaEzer 2:7, 50:14, et al.

As for us, we follow only the ruling of the Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek (Even HaEzer, Vol. I, responsum 143, and Piskei Dinim, Yoreh Deah, sec. 116), [who rules that] since the names are not exactly identical, there is no need for concern at all.” Consult that source.

You should, however, have it established in a fixed manner that you be called to the Torah and sign your name not only with the name Avraham, but also with your other names (both of them or at least one of them).

With blessing,

Menachem Schneerson