Q&A: Is there a problem with saying "Elohim"?
Is there a problem with saying "Elohim"?
Question
Is there a halakhic problem with saying “Elohim” (and not “Elokim”)?
For some reason Haredim are careful about this, while Religious Zionists are less so. Is there a halakhic dispute here, or just sociology?
Answer
In principle, no, as long as one says it for a purpose and not just casually. True, when saying God's name one should have proper intent, but simply speaking, that applies only in prayer (though I think the kabbalists hold that such intentions are always required).
Discussion on Answer
Yes.
Habit, and concern for the view that proper intent is required.
Why, in your book Cubes, were you not concerned about the above views, and wrote the name as “Elokim” with a hei at the end? Especially since many people read this book in the bathroom and in other unclean places?
https://mikyab.net/Writings/Articles/the-halakhic-justification-for-using-a-pseudonym-in-the-book-Elohai
What does “for a purpose” mean? If the subject of “Elohim” comes up in casual conversation, that counts as a purpose, right? And based on what you wrote, why do you say “Elokim” in conversations? Is it just habit?