I'm a Gentile... Do I have to censor "The Name" when writing to a Jew?

Question

Jews are very particular about not using God's name in vain, so far as to spelling His Name as G-d...because if it happens that they made a mistake (e.g. put the word in the wrong order in the sentence or didn't need to say it in the first place), deleting the actual word "God" or "Yahweh" or "Elohim" would count as the sin of mentioning God's name in vain.

I'm a Christian from Indonesia and just started writing emails to a friend from Israel who is a Messianic Jew. I noticed that she never uses the word "God" when she speaks (referring only to "Him") and when she writes emails she spells The Name "G-d". How should I reciprocate?

Answer 1

This is a tradition that has built up over the centuries, an attempt to guard against using The Name in vain. So instead of actually ever pronouncing The Name (the 4 letters) we say HaShem (Ha=The, Shem=Name in Hebrew). Likewise we obscure reference to the One True G-d by omitting a letter, while we do not have to use that spelling if we were refering to a false god. (See? No dash!)

It also depends on the nature of the medium in which one is writting. A letter is something which is likely to get thrown in the trash. Obviously we would view it as a terrible offense to find that The Name has been used to wrap up the rotting garbage. Whereas if we were publishing a Bible, a prayer book, or something like that it is not required to obscure The Name and such books will have the 4 Letter Name spelled out in Hebrew. Such books are to be given a proper burial when they wear out.

Even transliterations of Hebrew are mispelled to a degree. For example "Eloqim" where the "q" has replaced the "h".

If you are writting to someone who is using this practice then it would be appropriate for you to reply in kind so that it doesn't become a problem of what to do with your letter when she is done reading it. It is a matter of respect.

Saying "Him" is a safe alternative because you both will understanding exactly Who you are refering to. The capital letters in English tend to give a clue that you are refering to the Eternal One, blessed be He.

Answer 2

There's a phrase in the Bible called "Christian Freedom." Back in the early New Testament times, the Jewish Christians were forcing the gentiles to do things by their laws. Paul told us to ignore them, and celebrate the freedom that comes to us through Christ.

What she does according to her religion is her business. She realizes that you are a gentile and are not under the same laws she is. I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 3

I would ask her how she would prefer you refer to God. I know that she does not want to sin, but does she find it offensive when you write it or does she worry that you, too are sinning? The best thing to do is ask her what she would prefer you to do, that is very polite.

Answer 4

If your a Gentile you know it is a sin to take the name of the Lord in vain anyway, read the Bible you can't miss it.

Answer 5

Who are you concerned with offending more, her or your God? If you are expected to respect her religious beliefs shouldn't she respect yours? Besides god is just a title anyway, not a not a name, there are many gods. Obviously you want to be sensitive to her feelings but if you have to be that concerened with offending her, I am not sure if it is worth it unless it is strictly for an educational experiance.

Answer 6

It's probably best to follow her lead. If she writes The Name as "G-d," then it would show that you respect her beliefs when you do the same in correspondence.

Answer 7

Tell her about your customs and ask her abou hers. Ask her what she would prefer you to do.