The Power of Names.  In ancient times to have possession of someone's name was to have significant power over him. Some of this is based in superstition and some in true spiritual content.  This has changed in modern times, but not gone away.   Consider the power you may have when you do or do not have someone's name, address and/or social security number? The essential spiritual elements of names probably has not changed at all. Rather, how we choose to use and respect names has fallen from popular concern. 

Jews have since at least the time of time of Moses forbidden the name of G-d to be spoken with some fairly serious consequences if this taboo was broken. The tug-of-war on getting G-d's name is exemplified in the Burning Bush episode with Moses repeatedly trying to get G-d to give Moses his name.  This doesn't happen. Instead Moses gets various descriptive titles, such as Lord of Lords. 

The lesson is actually quite deep and fundamental to Jewish theology and world view.  Jews universally subscribe to a philosophy of Monotheism, that G-d is One.  (See the Shma Page).   In a simple sense this is a rejection of the old animism practice of positing deities in all sorts of things and events.  In a more profound sense, it is the recognition that we mere humans do not have the ability to conceive, much less know all of creation.  To attempt to separate any one element of this existence and affix a name to it as G-d is from a Jewish perspective the height of foolishness and at the same time the most serious blasphemy.  

This is a nasty Catch 22 in that we want to - need to, have a way to discuss and learn that which we experience and seek as an understanding of G-D, but with our limited language, how can it be done?  Well, it can't.  This gives rise to a host of linguistic dodges.  

This does not mean that individuals and groups cannot perceive, appreciate and have a meaningful relationship with  -for lack of a better way - we label G-d.  The universal truths that underlay Jewish theology are not unique or exclusive to Judaism.  People who seek and work for a connection can get there through many different paths.  

So, a knowledgeable Jew understands that respect for names, particularly the name of G-d, (In Hebrew "Ha Shem" or literally "The Name") is basic to fitting into our World.  In a real sense, by not attempting to limit G-d, we recognize the unlimited-ness as well as the totality or "one-ness" of the Jewish world view.  

The exquisite beauty of this is that each of us is an inseparable part of this oneness.  We as Jews are engaged in ongoing personal and collective efforts to seek out the universal truths and apply them to our everyday lives.  The benefits accrue to those who work at it without excluding anyone.  

R. Reizner 4/28/01