Today is October 16, 2026 / /

The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Vaetchanan – The Rosh Yeshiva Responds – Referring to Someone Named “Adonai” by Name

by Rabbi Dov Linzer (Posted on August 15, 2024)
Topics: Rosh Yeshiva Responds, Sefer Devarim, Torah, Va'Etchanan

https://pixabay.com/photos/handshake-trust-peace-outdoors-men-7441756/

לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־ְהֹ אֱ-לֹהֶ֖יךָ לַשָּׁ֑וְא

“You shall not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Devarim 5:11).

This question is taken from a WhatsApp group in which Rabbi Linzer responds to halakhic questions from rabbis and community members.

QUESTION—Oakland, California

I met someone whose name is Adonai. Can I refer to him by name?

ANSWER

Calling him by name would be prohibited. Besides for the concern of using God’s name in vain, I would find calling someone by this name a deeply problematic theological act.

I think that the best thing to do is to explain to him why this is a problem for you, and ask him if he has a preferred nickname/shortened name that you could use.

If this isn’t an option, in order to get around the issue, I would say “Donai” when referring to him. This way it will sound like you are swallowing your “A”.

To read this post in Spanish, click here

To read this post in French, click here

To read this post in Hebrew, click here