Okay, so here is the deal on using G-D vs. God...No one really knows. Apparently it is a Halachi rule, which is Jewish! Weird that Zach is the one to say G-D and this is a predominantly Jewish phrasing. It seems that this really came about because of the translation of several names from Hebrew to English or any other language was difficult and in hopes to not taint the name of God they took the o out. However, there are several discussions and debates on the web about it. Here are a few:
The only time that Judaism requires care about writing one of a set of seven names attributed to God is when writing in Hebrew. When writing in English or any other language, a person can write God, Lord, Adonai, Shaddai, Allmighty, what have you. It's only in Hebrew that care is required. Having said that, the issue is not one of respect. Rather, the issue is that there are seven names which we are prohibited from destroying (in print form) - by not completely writing those names out, or by altering a letter here or there, we ensure that there's no risk of the name being destroyed.
Should We Spell “God” With an “o” or a “-“ ?
The following are recent postings on the Tifereth Israel Listserv on the question of whether there is a Halachic requirement to spell “God” with a hyphen or dash as “G-d” so as to show respect or avoid taking the Lord’s name in vain. Ray Natter started the conversation, prompting several comments.
“According to the Etz Hayim (page 444), there is no religious reason to hyphenate the word "God." I have observed that both the hyphenated spelling and the un-hyphenated spelling have been used in TI communications. Is there a TI rule or custom that should be followed? Has there been any specific recommendation by Rabbi Seidel for the congregation?” - Ray Natter
“Like most TI rules, the rule is to do what you feel comfortable with. I suspect most of the "G-D"s are copied from other sources. The only defense I've seen of using G-D instead of God is when translating a work where different names are used, so yod heh vov heh would be "God" or "Lord" but a heh or dalet by itself would be "G-d". In original material, or material originally in English, there's no reason to hyphenate; English is not lashon kodesh.” - Simcha Kuritsky
“I believe Rabbi Seidel does not hyphenate it, and has stated that it is only the Hebrew name that cannot be uttered or written. I myself do hyphenate it because it reminds me of the inherent mystery of which I'm speaking, and that I don't really comprehend it. When we use the name casually--regardless of the language--I think it becomes too easy to think of G-d as some being alongside other beings, which to me is theologically unacceptable. But you were asking about halachah, not Bailin's theological beliefs, so I'll stop right there!” - Sidney Bailin
“It’s mainly a matter of comfort. Some people are really bothered by seeing the name spelled even in English. I use G!d because I think it doesn't mean I am following a rule with no halachic basis but doesn't bother anyone who is disturbed by the full name. It originated with Art Waskow. We had an interesting discussion on the NHC Summer Institute 2009 planning committee on the subject . We changed the translation on the T-shirt to "Walking in Your ways" even though it is a less accurate translation because many people were bothered by spelling out the name and others by not spelling it out.” - Howard White
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