Desecration of the Name (Hebrew: חילול השם khillul ha-shem,) meaning desecration of the names of God in Judaism, is a term used in Judaism particularly for any act or behavior that casts shame or brings disrepute to belief in God, any aspect of the Torah's teachings, Jewish law, or the Jewish community.
[edit] Hebrew Bible
The source for this commandment is to be found in the Book of Leviticus: "And you shall not profane My holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord who hallows you" - the Biblical Lev. 22:32 term meaning to bring dishonour or shame to God's name by an action or lack thereof.
[edit] In Judaism
Any behavior or action that disgraces, harms or shames God and his Law is regarded as "desecration of God's name." The opposite concept, sanctification of God's name (Hebrew kiddush Hashem) means any action that brings honor, respect, and glory to God. It is often used to mean religious martyrdom. The obligation to refrain from desecration of the Name one of the 613 commandments in rabbinical enumeration.
[edit] References
