Hello, we are continuing with the fourth chapter of Brit Shalom on the laws of blasphemy.
We have completed the obligatory formal halachic section. Now, there are additional laws that apply only to Jews, but since they exist, they are also relevant to the descendants of Noah.
For example, when a Jew hears blasphemy—when someone utters a curse using the name of the Holy One, Blessed Be He—the Jewish law states that one must tear their garment. What does it mean to tear one's garment? It means making a tear in the shirt to a depth of tefach (a handbreadth), which is about 8 cm.
This practice is not obligatory for the descendants of Noah, but in section 6, it states: "One who hears blasphemy should tear their garments due to the severity of the act." In other words, what is obligatory for Jews is a good practice for anyone to express their shock upon hearing such words by tearing their garment.
Additionally, one should not act disrespectfully toward the Creator, even if there is no formal punishment for doing so. This includes not causing damage to sacred books, holy names, or synagogues.
For instance, a person who desecrates the Tanach, the Talmud, or anything bearing the name of the Holy One, Blessed Be He, or a synagogue, or the site of the Temple in Jerusalem—these acts are considered inappropriate because they are an affront to the honor of the Creator.
Similarly, regarding the use of God’s name: we never pronounce His actual name, but we do use names that refer to Him. For example, the four-letter name composed of Yud, Heh, Vav, and Heh—we do not pronounce it, but we substitute it with Adonai or Elohim.
Can these names be said in any situation? Here, in section 8, I wrote: "One should not pronounce any of God's names in an unclean place."
For example, in a place of filth or dirt, or when the speaker himself is unclean or improperly dressed. A person who is not clean or is without clothing should not use these names. Similarly, one should not swear using God's name unless it is necessary, such as in a court of law—and all the more so, one must never swear falsely.
