God or G-d?

Real questions, submitted by actual OU Torah followers, with their real answers. NOTE: For questions of practical halacha, please consult your own rabbi for guidance.

Q. What is the story with spelling God versus G-d? Is it just a minhag not to spell it out? Some people seem to imply it's an aveirah to spell it out though I think I've always spelled it.

A. There are halachic opinions that apply the rules about writing and disposing of God's Name to names written in other languages but that's not how we poskin. Accordingly, one may write God, Gott, Deus, etc. but many people write G-d in order to show extra reverence or to preclude the name being treated disrespectfully.

Mishnah Brurah 85:10 says, “In a foreign language, everyone agrees it is permitted since this is not a name designated specifically for the HaKadosh Baruch Hu…. This name has no sanctity in its written letters and it is permitted to erase it.” He goes on to say that while one may erase such names, it’s still disgraceful to say them in a dirty place, such as the restroom.

Rabbi Jack's latest book, Ask Rabbi Jack, is now available from Kodesh Press and on Amazon.com.