Play Script Problem: Hallelu-yah

Question

I am an actor in plays at a local theater. That’s how I make a living, and I don’t earn very much. Part of my job is I have to memorize my scripts and recite them on stage. I’ve been doing it for many years now.

In an upcoming play, my script includes the word “Hallelu-jah.” It is said not in a religious sense, but just as an expression. I discussed this with my boss, who says if I can’t do it, my role will be given to someone else. I would lose $10,000 in potential income, which is huge for me.

What should I do?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I am inspired by your concern to the right thing even if it might come at the loss of such an enormous amount of money. Your dilemma really revolves around whether the word Halleluyah is one word which would mean that it is not Hashem’s Name, or whether it is two words, the second word being one of the Names of Hashem. If it is the first possibility, there is no problem with your taking the job. If it is the second option, there is a very definite problem with pronouncing the Name of Hashem.

    It seems clear from Rabbeinu Chananel in Tractate Pesachim 117a that Halleluyah is one word and it is not the Name of the Hashem. However, it does seem that many people are careful not to pronounce Halleluyah even as one word.

    Not being sure how to rule, I asked a Dayan what he thinks, and he said that under your very specific circumstances he thinks that it is permissible for you to take the job. However, he was careful to stress that this is not a general ruling that may be applied for any future job offers you may have. Rather, it is a one-time ruling and any future scenarios that are similar would need to be judged under their own merit.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team