The Address of the Soul: Which Name Do We Use for Healing?
Your mother was born "Rika" but everyone calls her "Ruti." You are praying for recovery from illness. Ruth Kedem explains why precision in naming is crucial for directing the Light.
“I am dealing with cancer, and people are blessing me. My mother was born with the name ‘Rika,’ but it was changed to ‘Ruth,’ and everyone calls her ‘Ruti.’ How should people bless me? Daughter of Ruth? Daughter of Ruti? Or Daughter of Rika?”
According to Halacha and Tradition: The name that determines matters of prayer, blessing, and the “Mi Sheberach” (Prayer for the Sick) is the Original Name given at birth. Why? Because it is connected to the Root of the Soul.
The Hierarchy of Names
The Birth Name (Rika): This is the Root. It is the initial channel through which the soul entered the world.
The Changed Name (Ruth): A name change made during life can add a layer, a correction (Tikun), or protection—but it does not cancel the first name. It joins it.
The Nickname (Ruti): This is a name of affection and social use. It is not a name for prayer. It has no spiritual “holding power” in the upper worlds.
The Correct Formula In a situation like yours, where we are asking for Mercy, Medicine, and Life, the most correct and complete formula is: “[Your Name] Bat (Daughter of) Rika Ruth.”
Why? This creates the widest connection:
You connect to the Soul Root (Rika).
You connect to the Added Correction and Light (Ruth—which signifies Kingship/Malchut and Kindness/Chesed).
If for some reason it is difficult to use the name “Rika” (emotionally or practically), one can say “Bat Ruth,” and it is still valid. But it is less “Whole” than the connection to the birth name.
The Spiritual Mechanic It is important to say something gentle and deep: The blessing does not “work” solely because of technical precision. It works because of the Intention (Kavanah) and the Heart.
However, when the Heart is already present, Precision in the Name helps the Light arrive exactly to the correct “Address.”
A Blessing I wish you a Shabbat Shalom. And a complete recovery (Refuah Shlemah)— In Body and in Soul. In the way most precise for you.
Reflect:
The Address: Think of prayer like a package. The “Intention” is the object inside. The “Name” is the GPS coordinates. You want both to be accurate.
The Root: Do you use a nickname? Remember that your spiritual power lies in your Hebrew/Birth name. That is your barcode in the universe.
The Addition: “Ruth” means friendship and loyalty. “Rika” (often from Rivka) implies connection. Using both merges the energies.