What is the proper way to say Hashem’s name in Onkelos and in Krias Shema Al Hamitah?
Question 1:
When reading Shnayim Mikra, what is the correct way to pronounce Hashem’s name spelled with two Yuds? This question is especially applicable when the Possuk uses Shaim Elokim and Onkelos still writes it as two Yuds.
For example, in the first Posuk of Bereishis the Targum writes it with two Yuds, even though it’s Elokim (though interestingly when both names of Hashem appear one after the other – like in the beginning of the second Aliya of Bereishis – he does write Elokim).
Answer:
You should pronounce the Targum exactly as it is written. So for the two Yuds, you pronounce it – A-do-n-oi.
Question 2:
What’s the proper way to pronounce Hashem’s name in Krias Shema She’al Hamitah in על חטא, where it says both of Hashem’s names in parentheses, as well as in the רבון העולמים at the end?
Answer:
In the Krias Shema Sheal Hamita by וידוי, there are a number of options:
1. You can say the letters, like : Yud – Kei – Vav- Kai. However, one may not say Hey.
Likewise, Alef – Daled – Nun- Yud. Some are stringent not to recite even with each letter of Ad-o-noi as above, but many Poskim permit.
2. Alternatively, you can say “Adnei”, as pronounced often when discussing the Shem, instead of A-do-n-oi.
3. You may also think the words without saying them.
The second or third option is recommended.
See here and the references herein.
See also Seder Krias Shema Sheal Hamita (Rav Ginzburg) page 24.
See also here and here for further reading.
By the רבון עולמים you may pronounce the Names in parenthesis as normal. Some, however, pronounce it as Hashem Elokai i.e. not saying Hashem’s Name the way it is normally pronounced. Others skip it. The first method, saying it as normal, is recommended.
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