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To: William Terrell
Do you have some proof?...

A few citations are included below, if you really want to run them down

...........

shamash.org: Writing: Why do some people write "G-d" with a hyphen instead of an `o'?

Based on the words in Deut. 12:3-4, the Rabbis deduced that it is forbidden to erase the name of G-d from a written document. Since any paper upon which G-d's name was written might be discarded and thus "erased", the Rabbis forbade explicitly writing the name of G-d, except in Holy Books, with provisions for the proper disposal of such books.

According to Jewish Folklore, G-d has 70 names. However, only one of these names is the ineffable name, which cannot be erased or pronounced. Further, of the 70 names, seven may not be erased but they can be pronounced on certain occasions (such as when reading the Torah). The other names may be erased and pronounced, but still must be treated with respect. The Talmud (Shevuot 35a-b) makes it clear that this prohibition applies only to seven Biblical names of G-d and not to other names or attributes of G-d, which may be freely written. The prohibition was later codified by Maimonides (Mishneh Torah, Yesodei HaTorah 6:1-2). The practice of writing "G-d" is supported in Shut Achiezer, 3:32, end, where it is endorsed and accepted as the prevailing custom. Rambam cites Deut. 12-03:04, which states "and you shall destroy the names of pagan gods from their places. You shall not do similarly to G-d your Lord." The intent of this is to create an atmosphere of respect for G-d's name vs pagan gods names.

As a result of this, people acquired the habit of not writing the full name down in the first place. Strictly speaking, this only applies to Hebrew on a permanent medium, but many people are careful beyond the minimum, and have applied it to non-Hebrew languages. Hence, "G-d". One explanation is that using G-d is a reminder that anything which we may say about G-d is necessarily metaphorical. Spelling out the Name (even in a language other than Hebrew) would imply that one could speak meaningfully (not just metaphorically) about G-d.

However, the Shach (Yoreh De'a 179:11) ruled that "God" spelled in a foreign language does NOT have the status of a "shem" and thus may be erased, lehatkhila. There is a story about Rav Soloveitchik (z"l) intentionally writing GOD on the board while teaching a class and then just as deliberately and intentionally erasing it, so as to demonstrate by his own example that this was not a halakhically a problem.

Conservative ref: http://communities.msn.com/JudaismFAQs&naventryid=160)

and Reform practice is to use "God". However, even some who are not strict (or even observant) in general will write "G-d", to emphasize that Jewish conceptions of G-d are meant.

Note: There is one exception to the destruction of G-d's name. In Numbers 6, the Suspected Wife Ceremony, a man who suspects his wife of adultery (with witnesses seeing a forbidden seclusion) brings his wife to the temple. The Priests test the women by pronouncing the horrible Biblical curse. After reading the curse it is written on parchment and dissolved in water (which the women drinks). If she is guilty she dies and otherwise the couple gets their marriage back. Thus, G-d actually allows the ineffable name to be dissolved in water that the women drinks. As the Talmud notes: G-d allows the ineffable name to be erased for the sake of bringing peace between a husband and wife.

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.

.........................

You can find a brief Reform answer at http://uahc.org/ask/god_questions.shtml

80 posted on 07/07/2003 7:21:02 AM PDT by SJackson
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To: SJackson
All these references have to do with the opinions of man, not the anouncements of God.

So, you think God will punish those who write His whole name? A Jewish friend of mine complaints that rabinical law exhorts Jews to open both ends of a can to avoid making a vessel. Do you reckon these two things are equivalent?

I afraid to say that just because a Rabbi (or a Priest, or a Mullah, or a Shamin, or a Minister) cames to a conclusion, it has nothing to do with what God wants. While these holy people may be truely following their sincere beliefs of what is the proper way to worship God, I don't think God has verified any of it.

100 posted on 07/07/2003 8:29:27 AM PDT by William Terrell (People can exist without government but government can't exist without people)
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To: SJackson
G-d allows the ineffable name to be erased for the sake of bringing peace between a husband and wife.

Thanks for your thoughtful post. This line caught my eye and tells so much about what people do not know about Judaism or the "Old Testament"- because it is the essence of grace, mercy, and justice. 1,700 years of twisting about what Jews of the "Old Testament" believed has created an impression that there is no "grace" in the "Law". How sad that the word "Torah" (literally "Instruction") has come to mean some cold hard granite to so many people.

Blessings upon you.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell forevermore. For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The Law [Torah] of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." Psalm 37:23-31
210 posted on 07/07/2003 7:30:23 PM PDT by safisoft
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