Bye Bye Fischer

It is official. According to the State of Israel I am no longer Leora Fischer; I am now Leora Wine. This week I had the pleasure of yet again going to the Ministry of Interior. To be honest, it is actually disappointing how uneventful the government offices in Tel Aviv have been. I have heard plenty of “horror” stories of how much Israeli government offices are in disarray but I have only been met with order and efficiency. Of course I have learned not to go at 7:30 on a Sunday morning in the summertime and wait for them to open their gates, but rather at 8:00 am on a Tuesday in November where there is basically no line. I was in and out in 15 minutes with a new identity.

Of course now I have to start using my new name. It is strange to consciously start calling yourself by a different name. This past weekend I went to a fitness convention and it was the first time that I registered for an event as Leora Wine. When the woman asked me my name I automatically answered Leora Fischer and then immediately said “oh sh#t I mean Wine.” She just stared at me for a moment while I quickly explained that I just got married and even more recently changed my name and that this was actually the first time that I had used my new name. The woman could not stop saying congratulations but I was embarrassed and felt badly that I swore in front of her and forgot my name. It was a good thing this was a two day conference because this morning I confidently approached registration and said “Leora Wine.”

While part of me is sad to say goodbye to Fischer, I am changing my name whole heartedly. I have plenty of friends who keep their last names or hyphenate, but for me it was never really a question. One last name is easy, efficient and just makes sense. Of course, even though the name might be different, those who know me well know that by character, I will remain a Fischer forever.