<p>Re: Names:
[Judaism</a> 101: Jewish Names](<a href=“Jewish Names - Judaism 101 (JewFAQ)”>Jewish Names - Judaism 101 (JewFAQ))</p>
<p>Related to the famous Eva?</p>
<p>I was wondering about the high number of Asian kids playing the violin or piano. My theory is that Asian families on the whole start their kids on musical instruments at an early age than families of other races, and the two easiest instruments to teach a young child are violin and piano. There are plenty of 4 year old violinists and pianists and lots of Suzuki programs available for that age (ever seen a 1/32 violin? It’s adorable!). Not a lot of kids of any race that age playing the bassoon or trumpet.</p>
<p>Regarding posters’ memories of how many Jewish students attended Harvard when they were there, it is likely that there were more White students at Harvard 15, 20 or 30 years ago, so the Jewish presence may have felt less apparent.</p>
<p>Here is a Crimson article from 1959, that reports that even way back then, more than 25% of Harvard students identified with Judaism in some way:</p>
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<p>[Jewish</a> Students Profess Identity, Discard Belief | News | The Harvard Crimson](<a href=“http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1959/6/11/jewish-students-profess-identity-discard-belief/]Jewish”>Jewish Students Profess Identity, Discard Belief | News | The Harvard Crimson)</p>
<p>But Sandy Koufax changed his name when his mom married Irving Koufax. Is there such a thing as a non-Jewish Irving? (Other than Washington Irving.)</p>
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I’m sure that’s part of it–but I also think that Asian kids are less likely to switch to cello or bass, or even to viola. They don’t switch from clarinet to sax, either. I think there’s a cultural preference for certain instruments.</p>
<p>Hunt,See the article I just posted. Julius Irving.</p>
<p>Uh-oh, jym’s got 4 dots.</p>
<p>That’s Erving. And he could be Jewish.</p>
<p>This is a good thing. I like being green :)</p>
<p>Geez, I may have to move over to that prestigiosity thread so I can pick up another square or two! All kidding aside,congratulations to jym for reaching 4 squares! I always enjoy your posts.</p>
<p>And you’re right, Hunt. They have it wrong in the article.</p>
<p>Hey-- check this out [Irving:</a> Meaning Of Name Irving | Nameberry.com](<a href=“http://nameberry.com/babyname/Irving]Irving:”>Irving - Baby Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity | Nameberry) the name is of scottish origin and ironically means “green river, sea friend”.</p>
<p>sevmom - you need to read my post on the other thread to figure out who counts! Apparently jym’s approval counts for a lot more than yours for someone!</p>
<p>Thanks, sevmom!
I like yours too :)</p>
<p>Apparently, per posters over there in the other thread, us old timers votes engender more points than newer young-uns. Finally a benefit to being an old geezer (at least around here).</p>
<p>*** cross-posted with the esteemed texaspg :)</p>
<p>No names were changed at Ellis Island!! That’s a complete myth that frustrates those interested in genealogy. </p>
<p>Passenger manifests were done “in the old country” at the port of origin, with whatever documentation the passenger provided then, and simply checked once here by administrators who were not permitted to change the documentation unless requested by the immigrant. </p>
<p>Two common myths are simply untrue:
- The arriving passenger with an unpronounceable name like Mr. Schlwrewsdmiewsky was told by an unfeeling and xenophobic official, “from here on out, you’re going to be known as Sloan,” and marked his papers as such, so he had no choice but to now be Mr. Sloan.
-The arriving passenger was asked a question in a language he didn’t understand, gave the best response he could, and that “became” his new last name. (For example, the passenger was asked “what is your name,” with his limited English he thought the question was “what day is it,” he replied “Montag,” and from then on out he was Mr. Montague). There were tons of interpreters on hand at Ellis Island who were called over if there were any communication difficulties. </p>
<p>[Our</a> Name Was Changed at Ellis Island - Dispelling the Myth of Ellis Island Name Changes](<a href=“http://genealogy.about.com/od/ellis_island/a/name_change.htm]Our”>Ellis Island Database, History, Immigrants and Lists)</p>
<p>Well, that article [in #152} reveals that actor Ving Rhames is really named Irving.</p>
<p>But Wikipedia says he’s named after famed newsman (and sex symbol) Irving R. Levine!</p>
<p>Are we off-topic yet?</p>
<p>Woo hoo, sevmom- <strong><em>poof</em></strong> you have 2 greenies now :)</p>
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Buzzkill… :(</p>
<p>Just goes to show, Hunt,you can’t believe everything you read!</p>
<p>Wow, 2 squares,jym. I feel like the luckiest person in the world! Thanks for pushing me over! :)</p>
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<p>[David</a> Irving](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Irving]David”>David Irving - Wikipedia)?</p>