up vote 7 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

Why are the names Dov and Ber frequently paired with the name Y'ssachar?

Is it because that was the Belzer Rebbe's name or was his name part of a larger phenomenon?

link|improve this question
53% accept rate
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

From Jewish Personal Names by Rabbi Shmuel Gorr z"l. Yissachar Ber - It is based on the Midrashic explanation of Genesis 49-14-16 where Yaakov's blessings to his sons are recorded. In the blessing and personality description of Yissachar, he is recorded as "having to "bear a load." It is from the root, "to bear" in German that this Ber in Yiddish derives. It has no connection (other than phonetic) with Dov meaning an animal) "

Those that are careful with the spelling of names spell Dov - Daled Bais - without the Vav

link|improve this answer
1  
Do you have a source for the final comment on spelling? Aruch Hashulchan (where he discusses spelling of names in gitin IIRC) says that although the common noun has no vav, the name is to be spelled with one. – msh210♦ Feb 23 '11 at 5:57
My Uncle who is a big Medakdek in spelling spells it without a Vav. I will find out his source and add it in. – Gershon Gold Feb 23 '11 at 13:29
feedback
up vote 2 down vote

The Vilna Gaon also had a brother whose name was Yissachar Dov. So I guess even those that are not Chasiddim have this combination.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.