Me: So I don't understand. Most internet sources I've reviewed say that Yod He Vav He is literally pronounced as Yaweh but the actual name of god is not Yaweh, even though that's how it's written. It stated kabalists know at least 12 names of god. Today, however, I feel the Kabala has been adulterated and infiltrated by fake mysticist Goyim: they skip over the Torah altogether and think they're special because they read the Kabalah but it's like saying I ate a chocolate wrapper the other day so I know all about chocolate. I digress. In any case, the tetragramaton as it's described is literally pronounced Yaweh but I've been told time and time again that this is a mistranslation by hacedic scholars and rabbis alike. Why is this a mistranslation? What I've read called "Adonai" and "hashem" and "hakadosh Baruch hu" substitutions. So what is correct?
R1: Nothing in the Torah prohibits a person from pronouncing the Name of God. Indeed, it is evident from scripture that God's Name was pronounced routinely. Many common Hebrew names contain "Yah" or "Yahu," part of God's four-letter Name. The Name was pronounced as part of daily services in the Temple.
With the Temple destroyed and the prohibition on pronouncing The Name outside of the Temple, pronunciation of the Name fell into disuse. Scholars passed down knowledge of the correct pronunciation of YHVH for many generations, but eventually the correct pronunciation was lost, and we no longer know it with any certainty. We do not know what vowels were used, or even whether the Vav in the Name was a vowel or a consonant.
That’s in regards to the pronunciation of יהוה
However, the Torah has many names for god. Why? Different tribes probably used different names, and each book of the Torah most likely orginated with different tribes within Israel and was later redacted into what we now know as the Bible. Some are stand ins for lord “Adonai,” and the first Name used for God in scripture is Elohim.
Me: Rabbi 2, same phrasing, same question.
R2: It can't be that because Hebrew doesn't have a W sound. The tetragrammaton is the name of Hashem. Hashem means literally 'The Name' and is a way to say it without saying it. Their are many many more names, including Adonai, none of which you should say except in prayer. But the tetragrammaton is the holiest name, and can never be said except by the High Priest on Yom Kippur when horns are sounded. It's never written with vowels and never supposed to be said so no one knows exactly how to say it. Adonai is said during prayer as a replacement, but can only be sad in prayer so in conversation we say Hashem. Baruch Hu just means 'blesses is He' , and is not a name but a response to hearing one of the names.
Me: In my research they said that in Arabic, there is no V sound and many scholars agree that Vav would have been pronounced as a w.
R2: Other names include:
Adonai Eloheinu
Eloheinu
El-Shaddai
El
It's possible the Yemenites have a W But if it is we don't know. It's good the exact knowledge of the pronounciation is lost imo
Me: I remember reading that priests going to the temple used to have to have ropes tied to their feet because they might die by the power of God. Or something like that.
R2: I don't think its exactly like that, but there is an idea. I don't know it off top of my head.
Me: R3 told me that the real name of God is known but just not said.
R2: We know it, it's the Tetragrammaton, We just can't be 100% sure the pronouncement. But can make a good guess.
Me: His real name must hold tremendous power...
R2: Maybe a kabbalist would know for sure. Yes. Also just honor, do you really feel worthy to call Hashem by name?
Me: what is the proper way to study Judaism based on these different ideas?
R2: Torah: Contract
Talmud: Explanation of how to follow the Contract
Kaballah: Explanation of why you need a contract
Me: R3, thank you for meeting with me. Same question on the nature of God's name, same phrasing.
R3: Yahweh is incorrect. We read it as Adonai but that is also a substitute for the real pronunciation.
Me: So is the real pronunciation lost to history? Or is there a real pronunciation we just don't say?
R3: The latter.
Me: Sorry to be asking so many questions but I want to know about not only my heritage but what it means to be a good Jew and a good Christian since my parents are both.
R3: Ask away.
Me: Thank you. I think it was you who told me a long time ago in class that it is better to ask the question than to have a question and never say a word. Or something along those lines.
In any case, gentleman, thank you for speaking with me and answering questions on this specific issue. Have a great day.
