
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





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