CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
49. A Bronze Hebrew Tablet
QUESTION: A Biblical verse with the tetragramaton was inscribed on a bronze tablet which had a prominent position in our former synagogue. The congregation has moved to a new building, tastes have changed and the tablet does not fit into the current building. Some other tablets with names of individuals long forgotten have been abandoned. What rules govern this tablet which contains the tetragramaton? (Allen Goldstein, Boston MA)ANSWER: We are, of course, aware of the special care given to the tetragramaton whenever it appears in printed or any other form. Tradition was concerned with reverence for the written name of God, the tetragramaton. This was one understanding of the third commandment (Ex 20.7; Deut 5.11), and also of the commentaries to an injunction in Deuteronomy (12.3 ff). In the considerable discussion which followed in subsequent literature, we find an emphasis on the sacredness of the name of God whether written in the Torah, another book, on a metal vessel, or even as a tattoo on the skin (Yad Hil. Yesodei Torah 6.1; Sefer Hahinukh #437). Ultimately, it was decided that the name was sacred only if there was a clear intent for it to be so (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 274 and commentaries). Special care has always been given to the tetragramaton. We should therefore not dispose of this tablet lightly. It need not be given a prominent place in the new synagogue. One may very well wish to display it as a historic memento of another age. It is also be appropriate to store it in a safe spot. This would be akin to placing a book which contains the tetragramaton into a genizah. Either way the tablet should be treated with reverence and should always be handled with appropriate care.February 1989
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