Question: We want to name after my father Yussel. Do we have to give the exact same name?
Answer: First of all and most importantly, mazal tov to all of your family. In Hebrew we say "B'sha-ah Tovah", which means "may everything work out well for your baby, your wife and your family."
Secondly, you are not alone in debating family names - unfortunately at a moment just before birth which is just when everyone ought to be happy, joyful and not causing any angst in anyone. It isn't healthy - emotionally and physically for anyone, and so I always encourage everyone to "chill." As I remind everyone, be part of the solution - not part of the problem.
Thirdly, Yussel/Jussel is not a Hebrew name. It is Yiddish, and frankly we don't use them - speaking as a Conservative Rabbi - unless forced to do so. What most often happens is that when a child enters day school or religious school, Yiddish names are translated into a Hebrew name. So, we urge everyone to use Hebrew at the get-go.
Yussel is Yiddish directly for Joseph (Yosef in Hebrew). Joseph was the first and favorite son of Jacob (Ya'akov in Hebrew).
Lastly, there is no rule requiring that the baby have the identical name in order to be named in honor of and in memory of a loved one.
Let me hope that this brings your family fulfillment, hope, joy, celebration and reconciliation. Enjoy the healthy times together in love in a world at peace.
Rabbi Dov
