Why Is It That Jewish People Write "G-d" Like So?

Answer 1

The power of G-d is so awe-inspiring that to write the word G-d in its' entirety would detract from His grace, wisdom and glory. The written word 'G-d' should never be defiled by being erased, altered or thrown away on a perishable piece of potentially unkosher paper, etc.

Answer 2

Two reasons.

1- Ancient Hebrew had no vowels, so it's an "homage".

2- To devout Jews ANY representation of God (I'm not Jewish so I can put in the 'o' ;) ) is sacred, regardless of whether it's spoken, written, or visual (which is actually a big no-no in Judaism and some Christian sects [you'll never see a stained glass window of Jesus or God in a Presbyterian church, for instance). Since they have to write about Him 'someway', though, as a practical matter they delete the vowel as a sign of respect and awe.

The ancient Essenes (desert dwelling ascetic Jews in the centuries before and after Christ) were so fanatical about the name that they had to ritually bathe both before and after even writing (the Hebrew equivalent of) G-d or L-rd or J-h-v-h or any other name that connoted God to them. That's why they would usually leave a blank space when required to write the name, then go back and fill the Name in later.
Jews also do not touch the holy scrolls but touch them only with a pointer, another "we're not worthy" act of respect.

Answer 3

Judaism believes that part of showing respect to G-d is not to use His name flippantly.

So, we won't say G-d's name (especially in Hebrew) except when we are studying or praying.

Likewise, we won't write G-d in full (in any language) unless it's part of a prayer or Torah study text.

Another reason is that Judaism prohibits defacing G-d's name. If G-d's name is written on a paper that will be thrown away or erased, that would deface His name. If we don't write the name properly, we have no worries about his name being defaced when the paper is thrown out or erased.

Answer 4

To Jewish persons, the name of God is sacred and not to be used lightly, if at all. That is why the Gospel of John is so enflaming to Jews, John uses the phrase I am many times and to Jews, that is the meaning of their name for God, the tetramatagram YHWH.

Answer 5

I believe technically, you are not supposed to speak HIS name. Writing is a form of communication also, so it would make sense NOT to fully write it. BTW saying OMG as much as it is said today is a type of offense. Even for Christians using HIS name in anything other than prayer is supposed to be a sin.

Answer 6

It's not just Jewish people who do that. It is done like that in most legal documents and other professional documents. Most insurance policies do it also. I am told that it is out of respect for the Lord, and that you just don't spell it out unless in written prayer.

Answer 7

So as not to take the name in vain, on something as un-sacred as a piece of paper (which would not get the respect the name deserves, it could be thrown to the ground or in the garbage etc).

as well as not to spell out the entire name, as to spell it out / pronounce it is "unknown" - the pronunciation is a mystery & therefore not spelled out completely or uttered aloud (at least not uttered alloud when reading / praying in hebrew)

Answer 8

Out of respect for a tradition that predates electronic media. You weren't supposed to write the name of God on anything that could be destroyed.

Is it a problem?

Answer 9

that would be because when jews go to school they learn to read and write and do barmitsfas and other crazy stuff i dont have money to do. but they lack a serious aspect of their education. drawing a circle. there is no need for further explanation.

Answer 10

That's interesting I never knew they did that. it also depends on what they're writing it on if they're going to throw it away they won't spell out his full name because it's a form of disrespect.