Picking one set of names for a baby is hard enough; for most Jewish parents, whose children receive both secular and Hebrew names, it can be a real conundrum.

Is it best to pick something mainstream or select something totally unique? Such a tough decision can lead to a lot of angst and hand wringing. In an effort to help parents with this common problem, Kveller has compiled a list of 9 Jewish Baby Names You’ve Never Heard of But Are Going to Love.

Sounds cool, right? I thought so… until I saw the list:

1. Amatzya

2. Anael

3. Zisse

4. Yudel

5. Yifat

6. Kriendel

7. Kfir

8. Otniel.

9. Emunah

Seriously, Kveller? Normally, I love that site and most of their articles, but I have to disagree with that list. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t like any of them, nor do I think a child would, either.

Names are highly personal; I get that. Many are also sentimental which I respect. Still, it’s important to be honest: most of us do not like our religious moniker, especially if it’s old fashioned/unpopular/weird, etc. (I’m certainly in that club, having been called “Pessel Leah” which I never felt any affection for whatsoever.)

Do I think every baby should be a David or a Rachel? Of course not. But I would caution picking a name that’s unheard of or difficult to spell/pronounce. Kids have a strong desire to fit it and names can be a big part of their identity. 

Weigh in on the name debate. Play it safe or pick something wild?

What an outrage: Arutz Sheva has reported that brains and brain tissue from Holocaust victims were recently discovered in Germany. Even though 70 years have passed, it’s startling that similar incidents keep happening (2 years ago, bones were found in a trash can).

While we may never know the true identities of the victims and the exact manner in which they lost their lives, it’s extremely important that they receive a decent burial, preferably in Israel.

Horrifying in the extreme and completely unjust!

The Jewish community lost an incredible member on Tuesday, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis. Referred to as the “Jewish Billy Graham,” the Rebbetzin was known for her theatrical—and widely attended—rallies that encouraged Jews to shun secularism and assimilation and return to traditional Judaism.

Though I never saw her in person, I have watched her on TV many times and she was truly unforgettable—very charismatic, passionate, and always on point. Her delivery was classic Jewish mother, bordering on stereotype: always wise, sometimes overbearing, and often funny. Her personal style was impeccable; she was never seen without her hair and makeup done and well dressed, too. This was someone who understood that image is just as important as message.

While I don’t subscribe to her brand of Orthodoxy, I definitely support her outreach efforts. As the founder of Hineni, she reached thousands of “lost Jews” and helped them to find faith. The fact that she was doing this as early as the 1960’s, when women in general (and certainly in the Orthodox community) were still disempowered is truly amazing.

Through her family, writing, videos, and the throngs of people whose lives she touched personally, this great lady and her unique brand of Judaism will surely inspire generations to come.

She’s Jewish, she’s a lady, she’s from the Boston area, she’s a gold medal winning gymnast. Ok, is there anything about Aly Raisman I don’t like? Seriously, she is just phenomenal! Watching her at the Olympics was definitely the high point of the entire games for me. Ever since I first heard about her at the 2012 Olympics, she has been my personal favorite—probably because I can actually relate to her. (No, I’m not athletic, but you understand…)

Though she makes every routine look almost effortless, it’s actually a complicated process. This step by step video series describes it in detail. Watch and you’ll certainly be amazed!

And, not to be all gossipy or anything, but did you hear that she might start dating Joe Jonas? That’s got to be the most intriguing celebrity couple since Justin and Selena.

To see someone so young, so bright, so talented, so willing to embrace her Jewish heritage….gosh, it brings a tear to my eye. Oh, and performing to “Hava Nagila” without the teeniest bit of hesitation? Aly, you are truly one in a million! Let’s hope she has a long and successful career, for decades to come. I’ll definitely be cheering, along with millions of other fans.