31. The Seven Names of God

Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Yesodei HaTorah 6:2

There are seven Names for which these rules apply:

1) The Name that is spelled yud-hei-vav-hei (YHVH). This is called the explicit Name of God; it is also written as alef-daled-nun-yud (Adonai). 2) Eil; 3) Elo'ah; 4) Elohim; 5) Elohai; 6) Shaddai; 7) Tz'vaos;

Anyone who erases even a single letter from one of these Names incurs the Biblical penalty of lashes.

Yesodei HaTorah 6:3

Any letter that is connected to a Name of God as a prefix may be erased, such as the letter lamed in lAdonai or the beis of b’Elohim. These prefixes do not possess the sanctity of the Name itself. However, any letter connected to the end of God’s Name as a suffix may not be erased. Examples include the chaf in Elohecha, or the chaf and the mem in Eloheichem. The Name of God conveys sanctity upon the suffix so that they are considered like the other letters in the Name. Even though it is forbidden to erase a suffix, one who did so would not receive lashes, though he would receive stripes for rebellion.