Question:
Can I pronounce Hashem’s name properly when teaching children?
Answer:
The Gemara (Nedarim 7b) warns us about the consequences of saying
Hashem’s name in vain. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 215:4) writes that
one who says an unnecessary beracha has said Hashem’s name in vain. The
Magen Avraham (OC 215:6) writes that according to Rambam (Berachos 1:15) this
is forbidden mideoraisa while Tosafos (Rosh Hashana 33a) and the Rosh
(Kiddushin 1:49) write that it is forbidden miderabanan.
The Gemara (Berachos 53b) says that when children are practicing reciting berachos, one shouldn’t
say amen in response. The Kesef
Mishna (Berachos 1:15) writes that it is clear from the Gemara that adults
teaching children can say the berachos for them to
repeat, complete with Hashem’s name. In such a case, one shouldn’t say amen when the child says the beracha
(See Mishna Berura 215:14). The Shulchan Aruch (OC
215:3) writes that one should say amen, however, if they
are saying a regular beracha, e.g. before eating. The Mishna Berura (215:16) points out, however, that
this only applies to a child over the age of chinuch (See Mishna Berura 128:123).
R’ Yaakov
Emden (Sheilas Yaavetz 1:81) writes that his father, the Chacham Tzvi,
admonished a teacher who avoided using Hashem’s name when teaching children chumash.
R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 2:56) explains that this only applies when
the children are reading the complete passuk in one go. R’ Moshe adds
that one may even use Hashem’s name when teaching adults how to properly recite
berachos.