I Share My Name explains the Sephardic custom of baby-naming from a child’s perspective

Esther Levy-Chehebar's first children’s book, I Share My Name, explains Sephardic custom of baby-naming.

The book was published by a publisher whose family follows a similar naming custom.

It has become a tool for other families to explain to their children why they share a name with so many family members.

Sephardic Jews have very specific customs and rituals that are quite different from those of those of Eastern European descent, from their cuisine and prayer melodies to unique superstitions.

The author of a children’s book, Sarah Levy-Chehebar, 31, grew up in Brooklyn and raised her family in the same neighborhood she grew up there.

“In many ways I feel like we managed to preserve this very unique village quality where you get your information from the people around you, and you borrow ingredients from your neighbor,” she said. “What I thought was going to be my most dreaded fear of parenting in the community, very quickly became my favorite thing—which is the idea of raising children surrounded by people you’re familiar with, and comfortable with. I think it’s amazing, and very much worth preserving.” Jamie Betesh Carter is a researcher, writer, and mother living in Brooklyn..