I’ve finally got amselbird.com up and running!
While endlessly tweaking it , I recalled that, in 1788, each Jew in Slovakia was, ‘without exception,’ required to adopt surname for use in all legal documents for the rest of his or her life.
I wonder how people chose their names–did brothers band together,even if they lived in distant villages, to choose a common name? Did their patriarchal grandfather Moshe decree that henceforth, all would adopt the traditional name “Moskovitz” [son of Moshe] instead ? Or did each–with no regard for future genealogy quests– choose a different surname?
Did one brother choose choose “Nudelman,” or Shreiber– both occupations– or prefer a loftier, artificial name that evoked beauty or wealth, like “Feinsilver” or “Goldenberg”? Did another choose Amsel because he was famed for his beautiful singing voice? Or did he choose a name like “Gottlieb” or “Helfman”, because he was known–or wanted to be known– for his good deeds or as a good Jew?
With amselbird.com too, I began with a blank slate. The challenge was not finding images, choosing articles, linking to sites, or RSS feeds. The challenge was presenting myself — as I am– and as I wish to be seen.
After much introspection, amselbird.com reflects much of who I am—for now.
But expect changes as I evolve.
Welcome!
Melody Amsel-Arieli 