Displaying Hashem’s Name on a Computer Screen

Why We're Addressing This

Recently, someone asked us: Is it permitted to post pictures of mezuzot or tefillin online if Hashem’s name appears in the image?

We appreciate the question and take it very seriously. At KosherKlaf, we are meticulous in our halachic standards and are committed to providing educational material about STaM (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzot). This topic touches on a broader halachic discussion that is particularly relevant in the digital age.

The Halachic Concern: Erasing Hashem’s Name

The Torah forbids erasing any of the seven holy names of Hashem. While this law clearly applies to physical writing, the question arises: Does it apply to digital text as well?

On a computer, phone, or tablet, "erasing" can happen in many ways—not just by pressing delete. Even closing a file, switching tabs, or turning off the screen causes the name of Hashem to disappear from view. Is this considered a halachic form of erasure?

This question is especially important when it comes to:

●        Digital Torah libraries

●        STaM checking software

If halacha considers the display of Hashem’s name on a screen as “writing,” then closing a file or switching screens could technically be “erasing”—a serious concern.

Understanding Screen Technology

To determine the halachic status of erasing something on a screen, we need to understand how screens work.

●        LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Uses liquid crystals and a backlight to control millions of colored pixels.

●        CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Projects beams of light to form images.

●        LED (Light Emitting Diode): A modern technology using tiny light sources to display images.

In all of these, the “letters” we see are not made of ink or any tangible substance. They are temporary arrangements of light and pixels, which vanish the moment the screen changes or turns off.

The Halachic Rulings

Majority Opinion – Lenient

Most contemporary poskim, including Teshuvot Vehanhagot (3:326), Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Rav Ovadia Yosef, and Rav Elyashiv (as cited in Ginzei Kodesh 7:22), rule leniently, based on the following reasoning:

●        Letters on a screen are not halachically considered “written.”

●        They lack physical substance.

●        They are not typed with intent for kedushah (holiness).

●        Therefore, they may be “erased” without any prohibition.

This means that closing a file, switching screens, or deleting a document with Hashem’s name is permitted.

Minority Opinion – Cautious

Some poskim, such as Shevet HaLevi (7:4), express concern that screen displays may have halachic substance and should be treated cautiously. However, even these views generally permit practical use, especially when Hashem’s name was not typed with holy intent (lishmah).

Summary

●        Is it permitted to display and then close a screen showing Hashem’s name? ✅ Yes.

●        Does the name on a screen attain kedushah? ❌ No, according to most authorities.

●        Should we still take precautions? ✅ Yes, especially when typing the name ourselves. Best practice includes using substitutions (e.g., “Hashem” or “Elokim”) or writing it with a clear intent that it not attain holiness.

At KosherKlaf, we are deeply committed to halachic integrity and Jewish education. All of our digital content is shared with these discussions and rulings in mind. We hope this helps clarify our approach and reflects the care we take in every aspect of our work.