kosher bookworm: alan jay gerber

‘Chillul Hashem’ in our religious tradition

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The very words, Chillul Hashem (the defamation of G-d’s name), should make every observant Jew cringe by its very sound and meaning. Much grief has been experienced by our people because of Chillul Hashem.

Unfortunately this defamation of G-d’s name casts a pall over all that we all stand for. It is the only stricture in Jewish law that carries G-d’s name together with its opposite twin, Kidduch Hashem (the sanctification of the name of G-d), and of the affirmation of our people’s adherence to Torah. There must be a reason for this, and in considering the complex factors involved, the affixation of the Almighty’s name is most warranted in this context.

In a newly released work from the Orthodox Union, “Headlines: Halachic Debates of Current Events” by Dovid Lichtenstein, much space is devoted to a discussion of our tradition’s attitude toward Chillul Hashem. Given the increase in Chillul Hashem this past year, any public treatment and discussion on this topic is most appropriate. This subject, whether it pertains to our rabbinical leaders, lay leaders or just plain amcha, is all worthy of public discussion. In this, this book succeeds, providing halachic sources and rational arguments from legitimate sources as the bottom line for the author’s opinions and final conclusions.

Further, we must consider the perspective that provides us with what must be considered in considering the sadness of this topic. The Orthodox Union, in publishing this work freely acknowledges that Orthodox Jews are no strangers to controversy, both from within and without. Chillul Hashem is perhaps the most hurtful of all sins in that it could be avoided, is the product of greed and lust, and is deliberate in that it reflects a total and absolute disregard for our G-d, our faith, and our people.

According to the author, the basis of this command is atin Leviticus 22:32, “You shall not profane My sacred name.”

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