Debbie Schlussel: Stylebook: About My Use of the Dash in the Word "G-d"
A number of readers ask why I use a hyphen in the word "G-d". It's something I've explained occasionally on this site, but for new readers, I am happy to explain again.
As a religious Jew who attended a private Jewish elementary school, I was taught by my parents and teachers never to use the name G-d in vain. In that light, we were always taught never to write out the full name, whether in Hebrew or English. We were always taught to use hyphens or dashes and/or abreviations.
That's why I spell the word "G-d". Rest assured, it's entirely out of respect--NOT diminution or denigration--for the omniscient, monotheistic power greater than us all.
Posted by Debbie on September 25, 2008 11:41 AM to Debbie Schlussel