On Thursday, September 25, 2014 9:03:26 PM UTC-4, Janet Wilder wrote:
>
> I was raised as an Orthodox Jew and we never pronounce the name of G-d
> (except in prayers and when reading the Torah to the congregation), nor
> do we spell it out when writing. That's why you see the dash.
>
> Since I was brought up this way, I find it difficult the change old habits.

"G-d willing" is a very Jewish phrase, less used today than
when I was a kid. The reason for the spelling is that the
name of G-d is sacred and hence must never be thrown away or
destroyed. (I believe there is a major ceremony, including
burial, if the true written name is discarded.) Hence not
writing it down allows it to be used in everyday
communication.

Janet, let me add my best wishes to everyone else's for your
future. Next new year I expect you to be make gefilte fish.

http://www.richardfisher.com