Using the G Word

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Published: May 12, 2007

Visitor Comments: 28

(28) Anesu, August 30, 2011 9:07 PM

Thank you very much, very good. God bless you.

(27) Njulie, December 11, 2007 11:50 PM

For a Jew, you certainly talk a lot about G-d

Years ago, I had a friend who was a Christian from West Africa. I wasn't at all religious at the time but had always considered myself 'spiritual'. After some time, when it came up that I'm Jewish, she was shocked. She told me, "For a Jew, you certainly talk a lot about G-d".
Amazing, that we are the ones who invented the concept of monotheism,the first to recognize G-d in this way and yet so many of us shy away from G-d. I have to say that I was quite ambarassed that day (for my Jewish 'agnostic' and atheist 'co-religionists). Now, as a baalat teshuvah, it is being confirmed to me more and more each day how we should praise G-d all the time. It's not a Christian concept - they learned it from us!

(26) Rabbi M. Levin, May 21, 2007 7:25 PM

Why G-d is not mentioned.

Hi Lori. Great Mini Video presentation and a great story. Believe it or not, I grew up in Denver and until I went to Yeshiva, G-d was apart of me internally but not in my external vocabulary. The reason being, that all my "goyisha" friends, too, were using the word, but their reference was to Jesus. My G-d was not theirs!! So this non-Jewish intermarried women was correct. Her "god" was not in her Jewish husbands equation or vocabulary for that matter.

(25) Anonymous, May 19, 2007 8:11 PM

i loved the documental.. you are really making people think.. baruj hashem we have people like you.. thank you

(24) Anonymous, May 18, 2007 6:16 PM

To Victoria Sonnenberg

G-d is often written with a hyphen as a sign of reverence.

Rebbitzen means the wife of a Rabbi of a synagogue, Yeshiva, etc. The term Rebbetzin often, but not necessarily, indicates that the woman is actively involved in the synagogue, community, etc.

(23) SUZI CLARK, May 18, 2007 12:32 AM

Feel proud to use the word/name G-D, don't forget him.

I loved the article. I have experienced the same thing. Maybe we Jews, don't want to sound like some Christians who feel the need to use "the precious name" every five seconds. Some people in fact many people, use G-D or their G-d's son every other word. I am so sick of hearing "praise the lord" because they fouond a parking space, or the correct cookie, or the light changed. I do thank G-D often for many things, but I am not so full of myself that I believe my parking space is more important than a persons life, or starvation, or blessing children. I am proud and loving when I thank G-D, and very often do it silently, and happily. It appears when you say something constantly, it loses its value.

(22) Victoria Sonnenberg, May 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Wonderful Article!

Thank you, Lori, for your comments about Jewish people not using the name of God. I, too, have wondered why that is so. I see a lot of articles that have G_d written in them, and I don't understand it. No one has bothered to explain it to me, although I have written, numerous times, to ask about it. Another word that I am curious about is Rebbitzen--I hope I spelled it correctly. Can someone help me to learn more about all of this? I read all the articles, but I still have many questions.

Your article was so well done, and I enjoyed watching it. It gave me some real hope of seeing Jewish people start to give their praise to God, and not something else--i.e. goodness. Thank you for doing such a great talk!

(21) Anonymous, May 16, 2007 11:59 PM

I was taught not to say the G word

Some Rabbis believe that saying the word "G-D" outside of a Torah discussion might be transgressing the commandment of "do not take G-D's name in vain." Therefore when referring to G-D, you should say "Hashem," which in Hebrew means "the name." OF COURSE this does not mean to forget about Hashem but to say things like "I am doing well, baruch Hashem" (baruch hashem means thank G-D, or literally thank the name) instead of "I am doing well, thank G-D." Same meaning, yet no transgression.

(20) Melissa, May 16, 2007 8:15 AM

this is me

I am one of those people who are afraid to use the G word, but I am really working on myself, because I should be proud of believing in God and being an observant Jew!

(19) Myron, May 16, 2007 7:03 AM

A lesson for all faiths

An awsome message - something that every faith community could take a lesson from. This what our world needs to hear more of in these times. A little more praise of God and less of self.

(18) Mommy, May 15, 2007 9:14 PM

Bring Hashem into everything...especially gratitude

Does this sound familiar?

(17) Barry, May 15, 2007 3:03 PM

Very well put

This really touched me, because I am one of those people who don't use "the G word" when I really should. I agree with what you said wholeheartedly.

(16) Rachmiel, May 15, 2007 1:50 PM

Tov m'od

I enjoyed listening to your mini-video, "Using The G Word". It affirmed what I believe and what we try to instill in our 6 children. If we as G-d's creation only knew to what extent He protects us and helps us, we would be a lot more grateful to Him. Keep up the good talk.

(15) Dr. Michael Zidonov, May 15, 2007 1:15 PM

Spiritually Ignorant Perception:

We have been laboring under a stupid Buggaboo for thousands of years, because most of us are Scripturally Ignorant and Spiritually Immature ... To be Frum/Pious/Observant etc. we know that we must NOT use/speak the Name of GOD in vain, so we have invented a number of different communication side-steps, which do nothing more than exemplify how stupid we really are, and why it is no wonder that most people think that Prayer does not work .......
WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD, is a Title ... it is NOT the Name of the Creator Who gave us Torah ... He TOLD us what His Name is, and it isn't GOD ....... Being His Chosen Ones, we have the Right to speak/Invoke His Name at the Right time for the Right reason, and we SHOULD do it, because He TOLD us to ... See what Torah says, DO what Torah says, and be a better Jew ...

(14) Monica B. Van Campen, May 15, 2007 12:01 PM

Thank God for you!

I am a Jewish woman married to an ex-Lutheran man. I have raised our children Jewish with Christian loop-holes (ex. Hanukah/Christmas, Passover/Easter). I grew up in a very Jewish community, but now live in a very Christian community. I have always been outspoken about God. My Jewish friends would look at me odd when I said His name. Over the years most of my Jewish friends are converts. They are able to be more outspoken. They have been raised in the love of God. I thank God for my good blessings - my husband, my boys, my family and my work. Lori, I thank you for making me feel less alone in saying the name God. God bless you.

(13) Channah, May 15, 2007 11:39 AM

Baruch Hashem for you Lori

I am so taken by your wisdom Rabi Lori and so thankful to this website for allowing us to speak of joyously about G-d and his teachings. So, I say with much love, prosperity and Happiness Baruch Hashem to you Rabi Lori, your family and all your readers. Shalom Channah

(12) Devorah, May 15, 2007 10:50 AM

Loved it! Short and sweet

We all need reminders to keep HaShem in our lives. Thank you.

(11) marla dawn music, May 15, 2007 10:14 AM

I believe many Jews marry non-Jews because their souls long for G-d...

I beleive many Jews marry non-Jews because their souls long for G-d. Were they to marry another disconnected Jew, there would simply be more of the same. These Jews marry a spiritual non-Jew (G-d forbid they would never marry a spiritual Jew!) giving hope that their offspring and maybe even they themselves will come to speak and live as people who admit and live the existence of our G-d.

BTW, I married in 1983, converted in 1999 -- and study Torah daily. Baruch HaShem...

(10) Anonymous, May 15, 2007 8:58 AM

Good Shabbos, G-dly

It is likely that "Good Shabbos" is not so bad. "Good" is one of G-d's name as is Shalom. In fact "Good Bye" is old English for G-d be with ye. So Godd Shabbos everyone.

(9) Anonymous, May 15, 2007 8:35 AM

oh sooo true ... thank you

THIS IS SUCH A VALID AND UNFORTUNATELY TRUE VIDEO!
Thank you for putting it on air.
I am a Jew but this has so hurt me for so long.
Why are things like this?
Maybe more 'things' like this can help to turn things around G_D WILLING.

(8) Anonymous, May 15, 2007 8:05 AM

"knock on wood"

Dear Lori,
I'm a big fan of yours (and of Hashem!). How about"knock on wood," also very popular among Jews! Drives me crazy.

(7) Rosen, May 14, 2007 8:53 PM

connecting with G-d

Since I am Jewish both my parents are Jewish, there is certainly a connection I feel with G-d. Even though I was raised reform, G-d didn't seem to turn His back on me, since I have a profound interest in Judaism and Torah. I've been to Israel twice, and almost have diligently attended the Hillel at my college both before and after graduating there for events. I may be relatively young, but I will try to find the right Jewish feminine counterpart that fits right for me. For now, I owe thanks to G-d for day after day in my life of living and getting through the day with work, family, and other obligations. La'chaim!

(6) David, May 14, 2007 3:15 PM

Use of God's Name

Very well said

(5) Catherine Manna, May 14, 2007 2:37 PM

you did it once again......

Did you touch my heart? Absolutly! And brought tears of joy to my eyes and heart. you speak the truth, God bless you for you are a special lady! Your light shines and the faithfull jewish people, need you, i believe that God already knows that. I see great things comming from you, dont ever give up on your wonderfull truthfull teachings, and guidance, for God is using you Lori, A leader you are and will be! I believe in you and i believe in God.....and i beleive in his people, Gods true people..Israel Shalom Catherine.

(4) Mordechai, May 14, 2007 12:00 PM

Shabbat Shalom vs. Good Shabbes

We should always try to use G-d's Name in conversation. Since Shalom is one of the names of G-d, it surprises me that in the Ashkenazic community, people great one another on Shabbat with "Good Shabbes" rather than "Shabbat Shalom" therby incorporating G-d's Name in the blessing and wishing the individual that he or she should connect with G-d on His special day. Similarly, rather than say hello and goodbye, we should say Shalom Aleichem upon greating someone and Lech L'Shalom (Go towards peace)or "May G-d be with you" when taking leave of someone thereby joining G-d's Name to the person being greeted.

(3) Daniela, May 14, 2007 10:50 AM

I need to point out one very important thing

While I agree with the general sentiment of this video, you are missing information about the origin of the expression "Thank Goodness". For x-tians the word goodness in this expression has a capital G. They say it in order to avoid using the English name for Hashem, G-d, in vain. People may have forgotten this, especially secular Jews, but there it is. The word G-d should indeed not be thrown around willy nilly. When religious Jews say "Thank G-d" it's because we mean it in a way that we are not taking His name in vain. But for non-Jews, the "name" "God" is all they have. So while it's a very nice thing to encourage Jews to get back to giving Hashem credit for good fortune, it's unfair to assume that the word "goodness" is used out of emarrassment or lack of belief. For a lot of people it's an expression of respect.

(2) Anonymous, May 13, 2007 4:24 PM

You made me cry.

Lori, whatever gifts you have, THANK G-D you're sharing them with us. I am so blessed to learn from you.

(1) Kelly Woo, May 13, 2007 3:45 PM

??????

I'm an intermarried Jew and I'll say "God." But, now what?

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About the Author

Mrs. Lori Palatnik

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Lori Palatnik is a writer and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio, and is the author of "Friday Night and Beyond: The Shabbat Experience Step-By-Step," "Remember My Soul - What to do in Memory of a Loved One," and co-author of "Gossip: 10 Pathways to Eliminate It From Your Life and Transform Your Soul." She is a much sought-after international speaker, having lectured in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Central America, South America, South Africa and Israel, including featured talks at Yale, Brown and Penn. She lives in the Washington D.C. area, with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik. Lori is the Founder of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, an international initiative that brings over 1,000 women to Israel each year from ten different countries on highly subsidized programs to inspire them with the beauty and wisdom of their heritage. She is the busy mother of five children, ages 24 to 14; and her son, Zev, just finished serving as a sharpshooter in the IDF. Her weekly video blog, "Lori Almost Live" is a popular feature on aish.com, viewed by over 50,000 people each month.

Follow Lori on Twitter, @LoriAlmostLive

Using the G Word

Don't be embarrassed to talk about God.

Visitor Comments: 28

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