God of Judaism
Judaism is a religion with a long history that stretches back over three thousand years. It is centered on the belief of one God, and is a major part of the Abrahamic religions that includes Christianity and Islam. Jewish views on God vary depending on various interpretations of the bible, but the name of God most commonly used in Jewish scripture, tradition, prayer and worship is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH.
The Meaning of YHWH
YHWH is an untranslatable four-letter Hebrew word, made up of four Hebrew consonants that indicate the name of the ancient and ever-present God of the Jewish faith. It is believed to be the personal name of God, and can be found in the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible called the Pentateuch. Its literal translation is “he who is”, “he who was”, and “he who will be”, providing an insight into the timelessness of the Jewish God.
The Unspoken YHWH
For religious purposes, the word YHWH is not spoken, resulting from the command given by God in Leviticus 24:16, which states not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Jews do not generally write YHWH, instead writing it as ‘HaShem’ – the Hebrew words for “the Name” – or as ‘Adonai’, meaning “Lord”. The same respect is shown in prayer, where the rabbinic tradition mandates saying “Adonai” instead of YHWH as a sign of reverence and respect.
Other Names for God
While YHWH is the most commonly used name for God, Jewish scripture and tradition also provide various other alternatives. For example, Elohim is the plural portrait of God and is used throughout the account of the creation of the world and the flood of Noah. In the story of Moses, he referrers to God as ‘Ehyeh’, which can be correctly translated to ‘I AM’. Another name for God, occurring over 300 times in the Bible, is ‘El Shaddai’, which can be translated as ‘God Almighty’.
Judaism and Monotheism
Monotheism, or the belief in one God, is a major distinguishing feature of Judaism. It is based on the belief that there is only one God, and that God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Judaism teaches if there is no God, then there is no moral standard of right and wrong. Without one God, other gods, or even man himself, could become the ultimate authority.
God’s Promise
God is seen as a constant across time in Judaism, a God who is loyal to His people, offering comfort and guidance to them in times of hardship. He has a special relationship with the Israelites, conveying many promises throughout their history. For example, He made a covenant with Abraham, giving him a great heritage of land and descendants; He delivered His people from bondage in Egypt; and He promised to protect them as long as they remain faithful to Him.
God’s Love for All
Judaism teaches that God loves not only the Israelites, but all people. He has a love for all of humanity, regardless of their origin or faith. The concept of the will of God, or yirat Hashem, is the underlying foundation by which a Jew lives his or her life. God’s will is to treat all His creatures with love and respect, and to strive for justice and peace.
God’s Presence
Judaism is based on what is called immanence, which is a belief that God is ever-present in our lives. Judaism teaches that God is everywhere and interacts with people intimately. He is constantly in communication with them and is actively involved in their daily lives. Jews believe that God’s power is seen in every moment, and that He is involved in everything that happens, even bad or tragic events.
God’s Forgiveness
Truth and justice are fundamental Jewish values, with truth representing God’s influence in the world, and justice His desire to see all people treated with fairness and respect. However, those deemed to have sinned can be forgiven, with God’s mercy being infinite regardless of the sin. Each year during Yom Kippur, Jews have an opportunity to gain forgiveness from God, while the holiday of Sukkot is a week-long period of forgiveness and good news.
God’s Holiness
In Judaism, holiness is seen as a way to meet God, a way to conquer evil and strive for what is good and just. This concept manifests itself through various mitzvot and commandments, including those related to religious rituals and good moral behavior. It is believed that by honoring God and keeping His Holiness, one is able to draw near to Him and lead a life of service.
God’s Mystical Essence
Kabbalah, which is Jewish mysticism, famously explores the mystery of God and provides insight into His innermost essence. Through Kabbalah, God’s identity is seen as unified and eternal, sustained by His own life-force. It further teaches that by pursuing divine eternity, people can come to understand the true nature of God and draw nearer to Him.
God’s Image
One of the cardinal teachings of Judaism is the idea that all people are created in the image of God, which is derived from the phrase found in Genesis 1:27. This concept is far-reaching, suggesting that all human beings are endowed with a special character and purpose that should reflect the divine. It suggests a bond between God and humanity, acknowledging that God is the source of love, compassion, and justice, and that all individuals should similarly strive to manifest these traits.
The Legacy of God
The legacy of the name of God in Judaism is one of reverence and respect. The word YHWH, which has been a major source of religious contemplation throughout the centuries, is seen as a source of ultimate truth that is far beyond human comprehension. God’s name reflects His timelessness and provides the foundation for religious life in Judaism. It is a name that many Jews continue to use daily, not just as a representation of the Almighty, but as a reminder of the powerful and transcendent God that He is.
