Chillul Hashem

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Chillul Hashem (חילול השם) (Hebrew: "Desecration [of] the God's Name") is a term used in Orthodox Judaism particularly for any act or behavior that casts shame or brings disrepute to belief in God, any aspect of the Torah's teachings, or Jewish law.

[edit] Source

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. Any behavior or action that disgraces, harms or shames God and his Torah is regarded as a Chillul Hashem ("desecration of God's name") by Orthodox Jews. Whereas any action by a Jew that brings honor, respect, and glory to God is considered to be a Kiddush Hashem.