The term HaShem literally means "The Name". This term is used by Jews to refer
to God. Jews use a substitute for the actual Name of God because
Jewish law forbids the pronunciation of God's Name. The prohibition is based
upon the requirement to fear God, as in Deuteronomy 6:13, "HaShem your
God you shall fear...". The Torah tells us that included in fear of God is fear
of His Name, as in Deuteronomy 28:58, "...to fear this great and honored
Name of HaShem your God." This is similar to the prohibition of referring to
one's parents by their names. This is particularly true for the
Tetragrammaton, which is considered God's "personal" name, but it is also true
for other names. The Tetragrammaton was only pronounced in the Holy
Temple during the Temple service. Otherwise it is never pronounced, though it
is used as a focus for concentration during prayers. During prayers or
while reading the Torah, Jews use the term "Adonoy" - "My Master" - as a
substitute for the Tetragrammaton, but even this term may not be pronounced
during ordinary speech. Therefore, out of respect for God's holy Name, when we
refer to God we use the term HaShem, which means "The Name".
In written works, the term HaShem is usually used specifically to substitute
for the Tetragrammaton.
genesis@torah.org |
