בס”ד
BS”D or B”H: Starting letters with Awarness of G-d
It is not entirely clear when or how the custom of beginning a letter with B”H or BS”D—or, more precisely, their Hebrew equivalents, ב״ה or בס״ד—started. Some point to Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid (Rabbi Judah the Pious, 1150–1217) and his work Sefer Chassidim as a possible source for the practice of mentioning G-d before writing an ordinary letter. Interestingly, Christopher Columbus (1451–1506), one of the most famous explorers of the Age of Discovery, included what appears to be the Hebrew letters ב״ה in the top left-hand corner of almost all his letters to his son.1
What do these abbreviations mean?
B”H (ב״ה) is an abbreviation for the Hebrew phrases baruch Hashem (“blessed is G-d”) or b’ezrat Hashem (“with the help of G-d”).
BS”D (בס״ד) is an abbreviation for the Aramaic phrase b’syata d’shmaya (“with the help of heaven”).
T.G. is an abbreviation for the English phrase “Thank G-d,” while “By the Grace of G-d” is another common variant.2
The choice between B “H and BS “D is personal. Some prefer BS “D because the “H” stands for G-ds Name, one they wish to avoid using it in letters that might later be discarded.3 This is practice arises from the prohibition against disrespecting or erasing G-d’s name.4 Others favor B” H because it is said to be of an older tradition.5 The Lubavitscher Rebbe encourages to use of B “H, because “H” does not represent an actual name of G-d but rather stands for Hashem (a respectful way of referring to G-d).
A Practice for Everone?
Can non-Jews (Noahides) adopt this custom? It is worth considering that the ultimate vision is a world where everyone acknowledges “G-d is One and His Name is One,”6 Beginning a letter in this way could spread awareness of G-d and help instill the habit of contemplating His presence. Let people know that there is a G-d who sees and hears and is Omnipresent.For non-Hebrew speakers, English phrases such as “Thank G-d” or “By the Grace of G-d” may be more accessible and understandable.
Even in electronic formats like emails or blogs, the practice can hold value, though it’s not strictly necessary. If electronic writings are printed, they become physical texts, which might encourage following this custom.
Drawing Inspiration from Abraham
The idea of invoking G-d’s name in daily activities can be traced to a Midrash about Abraham. The verse states:
“And he planted an eshel in Beersheba, and called there [vayyikra] on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting G-d” (Genesis 21:33).
Reish Lakish explains: Do not read it as vayyikra (“he called”) but as vayyakri (“he caused others to call”). Abraham caused passersby to call out G-d’s name. How did he do this? After his guests ate and drank, he would ask them to bless G-d, saying:
“Did you eat from what is mine? No, you ate from the food of the G-d of the world. Therefore, you should thank, praise, and bless the One Who spoke, and the world was created.”
Through this, Abraham inspired others to recognize and thank G-d. His example reminds us to bring G-d into our everyday interactions and conversations. (toevoegen voetnoot Talmut Sotah10)
Daily Habits That Honor G-d
In Jewish practice, it is common to preface even casual conversations with references to G-d. For example, when asked, “How are you?” many respond, “Baruch Hashem” (Thank G-d). This ensures that G-d is acknowledged in even the smallest moments.”7
Let us strive to make it a habit to thank G-d in both our conversations and our writing—for the good He gives us and the good we experience, even when it is concealed.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his feedback
Sources:
- Aish.com Article: Christopher Columbus, Secret Jew ↩︎
- AskNoah Q&A Forum ↩︎
- Rabbi Yosef Rosen, the Rogatchover ↩︎
- See the blog: The Sanctity of G-ds Name ↩︎
- Harerei Kedem B 124 Rav Solovaichik ↩︎
- Zechariah 14:9. ↩︎
- Ask the Expert: Why do Some People Write Three Hebrew Letters On Their Notes? ↩︎
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