How to lovingly refer to Hashem?

Question

Due to the fact that we cannot say His ineffable name, I would like to know what are considered ways of referring to Hashem that are loving, close and personal, rather than respectful (not to say that they should be disrespectful of course, ch'v).

All the generally used names I can think of are mainly just highly respectful names:

• Hashem - "The Name"
• (Adon-ay - "My Lord", not generally used in speech outside of prayer)
• HaKadosh Baruch Hu - "The Holy One Blessed Be He"
• Ribono Shel Olam - "The Master of the World"
• The Aibishter - "The High One"

All of these names denote high respect, and awe. While it may be said that we have come to say these terms affectionately, in-and-of-themselves, they are not affectionate terms and in fact carry with them a sense of im-personalness and distance. I might imagine that "Elokai" (my God) would be quite affectionate and personal, but we generally aren't allowed to say it (and while it might be possible to prove we can say it, it's still controversial so not an ideal solution)!

Are there any terms found in Tanach or the works of Chazal that are more personal, close and affection in-and-of-themselves? Terms/names that are permissible to use in every day speech of course. If not in Tanach or older works of Chazal, what about newer names that come from various minhagim such as Yiddish or Ladino names etc.?

Thank you.

^{Sincere apologies in advance if there's a blindingly obvious one that I just haven't thought of. I do that a lot...}

Answer 1

Answer sketch

First I'd slightly fault the question "that are loving, close and personal, rather than respectful" because בטלה יראה בטלה אהבה When there's no Fear there's no Love! So they don't have to be (so) exclusive and רחמנא לבא בעי The Good Lord, your heart is what He wants, right?

And but especially in context and intent and even nature I'd say the following in your list are especially endearing:

• Hashem (the Name of Kindness and Grace).
• Ribbono Shel Olam (Ribboinoi Shel Oilum .. for example this was one of the favorite expressions of Rabbi Nachman z"l in Hitboddedut, sometimes even just going in private and only saying that. Chaney Moharan - section Hitboddedut)

Then we have endearing (and respectful) addresses from lashon Chazal like

• Hashem Elokeinu W'elokei aboteinu
• Rachamana

And then how about

• Abba / Abbale / Tatty / Padre / Father (Rabbi Nachman's advice on Hitboddedut is talk to God in your own language and what you're comfortable with)
• Or any other way that you would endearingly address a loving/beloved earthly (respected) father

Answer 2

To refer to G-d in a loving way is dependent upon the kavana of the person doing the referring. Any of the names you've listed and others can be used in a loving way or in other ways as well. The name itself is not what makes you loving or not.