Another common misconception is that the Jewish G-d is a male G-d. In fact, G-d is beyond gender, making use of both male and female elements as deemed appropriate for the purpose of interacting with creation. Yet at the deepest level of His all-encompassing oneness,even the dualities of gender do not exist. The conventions of Kabbalah in this respect are based on the physical differences between men and women. Therefore, when G-d assumes the role of transcendent, active bestower and outward, extending principle, He is referred to in the masculine. Upon assuming the role of indwelling presence and receptivity, the feminine case is used. The language of these lessons follows this model. An intensive discussion of male and female principles within Divinity and their correspondence to the various names of G-d used in prayer is presented in later lessons.

Finally, we need to agree on some working definition of G-d. This does not presume belief in G-d. Rather, communication works best when people are speaking the same language, when a word conjures similar ideas in writer and reader alike. The most essential name of G-d in Judaism is the Tetragrammaton, the four-letter, unspeakable name ). A Jew often refers to Divinity as HaShem, which means literally, "The Name" written above. These four Hebrew letters contain all the permutations of the verb to be. Tradition teaches that The Name translates as, THAT WHICH WAS, IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE. When we use the term G-d or HaShem in these lessons we are intending this. While there are levels of Divinity that defy description altogether, nevertheless, the Tetragrammaton provides a simple, accurate, and useful working definition of the Jewish concept of Divinity. G-d becomes the point of eternity that lies within each moment and each object, that which preceded creation, permeates creation, and will endure beyond its passing. From here on, G-d and HaShem will be used interchangeably.

In addition to the Tetragrammaton, which is an actual name of G-d, Divinity is often indicated by Its various attributes. Some of the most frequently occurring are: The Holy One , The Presence , The Infinite Light, The Infinite One , The No Thing , The Creator .

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