Why do they put G-d instead of God on Jewish FAQ?

Question

I saw this while I was studying

Answer 1

Just to set the record straight:
It IS a sign of respect. It's a way of setting the word apart, even in its spelling - so that both the person who writes it and the person who reads it sees the difference and hopefully, takes time to reflect upon the One Who Bears the Name.
In Jewish thought, a name is not simply the title by which a person or thing is known - it represents the nature and essence - the character and reputation - of the one named. For this reason, it's believed that a name should be treated with the same respect as the person himself. So - there are some, especially observant Jews, who avoid writing any Name of God casually because of the risk that it might later be somehow defaced - whether purposefully or because someone doesn't know any better.

Answer 2

I am Jewish, and I write it as "G-d" out of respect.

The tetragramatron name of G-d is both unpronounceable and forbidden to pronounce. But writing the word "God" in English isn't. (See? There I just did it.)

Writing G-d's name on a paper makes that paper have to buried if discarded, and requires that we have to take special care in treating it and disposing of it.

Opinions differ as to how far to take all of this, whether it extends to writings about sanctified topics, etc.

But, for me, writing "G-d" instead of "God" reminds me to be mindful, respectful, and make an attempt at sanctifying G-d's name with my speech, writing, and actions.

Some people take this very, very far, (in my opinion) past superstition and into the realm of the absurd. I have seen "HaSh-m", which is an English transliteration of the Hebrew word for "the name".

There are many (70?) names of G-d. According to my best understanding of mainstream Jewish thought (I know of excpetions) only the tetragramatron, and about two others (only the Hebrew versions) *require* burial/special treatment. The others are optional.

I have read works by major, respected, Orthodox Rabbis, with it written "G-d" and others who write it as "God".

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Similarly, you'll often see 'BS"D' or 'b"h' at the top of Jewish written work. It's an acronym for 'with the help of G-d'. Some people think this is required, some think it's hubris to put it on the top of the page.

I think it is not required, but often a helpful reminder that what I write should (aim to) be a sanctification of His name, or at least not a desecration of it. This means that what I write should add to the good in the world, not take away from it.



This is also being discussed over here today:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Am9SgRgL9vNVt9IxyXZKg7_ty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080102083400AAd8O0x&show=7#profile-info-QyB4ZDR4aa

Answer 3

Respect? It's almost childish when you think about it. Kind of like obsessive compulsive behavior or superstition

Answer 4

It's out of respect. They do not say the name or even spell it out unless under very reverent circumstances. They don't even touch the Torah scrolls with their hands in fear of defiling them because it is the sacred Word.

Answer 5

In the Jewish culture, the name of God was never stated or written. They used Hebrew the "tetragrammaton" transliterated as "YHWH" to represent His name. This is English is Yahweh or Jehovah. They had/have such a high regard and respect for Him that they humbled themselves to the point of never pronouncing or spelling His name. Therefore, they would not write our "God" in English.

Answer 6

Why I write G-d

Many people ask why do I type 'G-d' ~ Well 1st of all it's because I am a Messianic Jew. Secondly, I write it like that as a sign of respect and to remember that His Name should always be something unique and special. Why do you write it that way you may ask? This is to avoid taking His Name lightly or in vain.

Why is G-d spelled the without an "o" throughout Jewish writings?

Any Hebrew Name of G-d is forbidden to erase. From the Torah's exhortation to destroy idolatry, we learn out the prohibition not to destroy the Name of G-d. (see Deuteronomy 12:3-4) In Exodus 20:7 it says, "You shall not take the Name of the LORD your G-d in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain."

It is forbidden to erase or deface the Name of G-d, and this prohibition applies to all languages. We, therefore, insert a dash in middle of G-d's Name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.

It also is a way of showing respect such as when on the Internet where it can be profaned and disrepected. In the Bible, in prayer books and Holy writings G-d's Name is written properly, for there is no fear that one will discard a Holy text.

Although "G-d" is really just a title and not His Name, it certainly is a word which is reserved for Him alone (as opposed to "Creator" or "the benevolent one" which can be used in other contexts as well). We show respect to G-d by not defacing or discarding a word which is designated for Him.

Note that if you disagree with another poster's decision to omit or include the hyphen, you should not publicly criticize or ridicule said poster. Shaul (Paul) wrote: "To the Yehudim(Jews) I became as a Yehudi(Jew), that I might gain Yehudim(Jews); to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain those who are under the Law;" 1 Corinthians 9:20 Hebrew Names Version


Point in History: Between 890ce to 940ce, the Hebrew Scriptures added vowels to the Torah. Before this, the Torah had no Vowels. Thus the Name of G-d was written YHWH

Also I don't use the name 'jehovah' because it's simply a mistranslation of YHWH.

Answer 7

In the Bible it says that we are not suppose to take the Lord's name in vain. This means using his name frivolously.

Jewish people do print the lord's name and do say it, but only during the Sabbath or other religious ceremonies.

It has to do with respect for the Lord.

Answer 8

It's to show respect by not saying the name.
They believe knowing someone's name gives power over them.

Answer 9

Im guessing it's because they are jewish and not Christian. But im not sure. I dont know alot about religions.

Answer 10

Supposedly, Joe Hovah gets all p!ssy when you use his real name....

This is what happens when your religion evolves from a Canaanite mystery cult, where only members of the "inner circle" are allowed to know such information....