Giving Kavod to Hashem’s Name (Based on Pachad Yitzchok, Pesach 60b)
From the verse, “Havu Godel Leilokeinu” we learn that we should give honor to Hashem’s name.
In the Beis Hamikdash Hashem’s name was actually said. The people would answer “Baruch Sheim Kavod Malchuso L’olam Va’ed.”
Outside of the Mikdash, Hashem’s name is not pronounced. Although the letters are written, a substitute name is said: Adnus, referring to Hashem’s mastery.
After the first verse of Sh’ma, we say in an undertone “Baruch Sheim Kavod Malchuso L’olam Va’ed.”
Which Is Greater?
Yaakov Avinu questioned his sons’ faith. They said to him the verse of Sh’ma Yisroel. Yaakov replied, “Baruch Sheim Kavod Malchuso L’olam Va’ed.”
However, Moshe did not write this reply in the Torah. This left the Rabbis in a quandary. Should we include it in the prayers? Moshe did not write it in the Torah. Should we leave it out? Yaakov said it. They decided it should be said in a whisper. (Pesachim 56a)
Is Sh’ma greater, or the quiet reply of Baruch Sheim? From Chazal it seems that Sh’ma is greater (1), but the Maharal (2) writes that only the holy person (Yaakov Avinu) could say “Baruch Sheim Kavod…” Therefore, Moshe did not include it in the Sh’ma, but the Rabbis decreed that it should be whispered, because Yaakov said it. (3) The implication is that “Baruch Sheim Kavod…” is greater than the Sh’ma.
Rav Yitzchok Hutner explains that there are two diverse concepts of Baruch Sheim. 1. After the Sheim Hameforash is pronounced in the Beis Hamikdash, “Baruch Sheim Kavod Malchuso L’olam Va’ed” is said. 2. In our days, “Baruch Sheim…” is said quietly after the first verse of Sh’ma.
But these two usages are distinct. Today, we do not pronounce Hashem’s full name; instead, we say a substitute. “Baruch Sheim Kavod Malchuso L’olam Va’ed” (the Name of the Glory of his Majesty) refers to the substitute — this is not as great as the Sh’ma itself.
However, in the future era, when Hashem’s great name will be said, Baruch Sheim (the Name of the Glory of his Majesty) will be even greater than the Sh’ma.
The Whisper
Speaking softly, in an undertone, is intermediate between voice and thought. It is sound, albeit barely audible. The whisper is the activity of thought.
Whispering Baruch Sheim is the world of thought; in the world of thought Sheim Hashem is pronounced.
The Vilna Gaon
In the words of the Vilna Gaon, the main intention of Hashem’s name today is the way it’s pronounced, not the way it’s written. The exception to this rule is in reciting Krias Sh’ma. Then, the main intention of Sheim Hashem is the way it’s written (Who was, Who is, Who will be).
Since the main intention of Sheim Hashem in Krias Sh’ma is the written form of Havaya, the whispering of Baruch Sheim Kavod represents, in thought, the reply in the Bais Hamikdash.
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1.See Nefesh HaChaim 3:11 (Hagah).
2.Sefer Hanesivos, Nesiv Ha’avodah, Perek 7.
3.The Maharal explains that every person has a holy aspect — the neshama. Just as the soul is hidden, the words should be whispered — expressed in a hidden way.