Zylberberg--> Silverberg--> Silver

In class, we talked a lot about what people do, or feel they must do, in order to become an American. We discussed how part of becoming an American is giving up a lot of one's culture. Immigrants are often forced to give up certain things about them in order to assimilate into society. One interesting thing to study is how immigrants often changed their names in order to assimilate easier.

My dad's father and his brother were Jewish immigrants who came to America after World War II. Their names were Fivel and Harry Zylberberg. When they arrived in America, both decided it was best to translate their name to a more English version- Silverberg. It is interesting, however, the different choice these two made next.

My grandpa kept his name Fivel Silverberg; he realized that although he lost the European culture in his name, he would maintain the Jewish part of it.
My great uncle Harry, however, decided to drop the Jewish culture in his name. His name became Harry Silver instead of Silverberg. He did not do this because he wished to abandon his religious background, but only did it because he believed it would help him become more successful in America.

This is just one example of people who felt the need to give up parts of their culture in hopes of achieving greater success in America.