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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by RSB34
Posted by LSP2005
It is my understanding that once a mezzuzah is on a home, unless you actually know that the next family is Jewish, you are supposed to leave your mezzuzah on your home (so as to provide continued protection for the home.) So a non-Jewish family could have a mezzuzah up in their home and it is not sacrilegious.
What if she intends to put a Christian blessing inside??
The Shema IS a Christian blessing. As I mentioned, we read in in church. But even if she wants to use it as a hide-a-key, the case itself isn't a holy object.
If it were me, I'd try to teach her about it.
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Posted 1/22/13 9:50 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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racheK
Hudson's Momma
Member since 10/10 2853 total posts
Name:
Rachel
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
I am Jewish and have never heard of anyone else wanting a mezzuzah that wasn't Jewish but I like the idea of it. It always makes me happy when I enter my apartment with it on my doorframe. I happen to not be religious, its just something that makes me feel safe. I think its great that she wants one and don't think there is any reason she can't have it.
I'm glad you purchased for her!
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| Posted 1/22/13 9:59 AM |
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WhatNow
Say Cheese!
Member since 1/06 8033 total posts
Name:
A (formerly WhatNow?)
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
I don't understand requests of that kind, and I am not at all religious. I definitely think it is odd as well. Of course, you don't have to be Jewish to buy a mezuzah, but you also don't have to be Christian Orthodox to buy an icon but you dont' see Jews hanging them up in their homes because they are "pretty". In fact, many of those icons are amazing works of art, but I would never put one in my home because it is first and foremost a religious symbol.
My personal opinion, of course, but I would find it odd and explain to her that it's not just something "admirable" and "pretty" but something that represents a Jewish home and the responsibilities that come with it, and that not that many years ago people were dying for the rights to display that symbol on their doorframe.
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| Posted 1/22/13 11:15 AM |
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InShock
life is good
Member since 10/06 9258 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by StarsStripes
My parents still have the one up in their house that the previous, Jewish, owners left; we are Catholic.
My parents do, too! Same exact thing I was going to post. 
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| Posted 1/22/13 11:16 AM |
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PreshusSmurf
So in love with my little guys
Member since 1/07 2963 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by WhatNow
I don't understand requests of that kind, and I am not at all religious. I definitely think it is odd as well. Of course, you don't have to be Jewish to buy a mezuzah, but you also don't have to be Christian Orthodox to buy an icon but you dont' see Jews hanging them up in their homes because they are "pretty". In fact, many of those icons are amazing works of art, but I would never put one in my home because it is first and foremost a religious symbol.
My personal opinion, of course, but I would find it odd and explain to her that it's not just something "admirable" and "pretty" but something that represents a Jewish home and the responsibilities that come with it, and that not that many years ago people were dying for the rights to display that symbol on their doorframe.
THIS!
I just don't understand the desire to for non-Jews to own a mezuzah, wear a Jewish Star necklace, etc.
It doesn't make sense to me.
I appreciate that they admire the beauty of these items as some truly are works of art, but the desire to own them just seems weird to me.
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| Posted 1/22/13 11:27 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by PreshusSmurf
Posted by WhatNow
I don't understand requests of that kind, and I am not at all religious. I definitely think it is odd as well. Of course, you don't have to be Jewish to buy a mezuzah, but you also don't have to be Christian Orthodox to buy an icon but you dont' see Jews hanging them up in their homes because they are "pretty". In fact, many of those icons are amazing works of art, but I would never put one in my home because it is first and foremost a religious symbol.
My personal opinion, of course, but I would find it odd and explain to her that it's not just something "admirable" and "pretty" but something that represents a Jewish home and the responsibilities that come with it, and that not that many years ago people were dying for the rights to display that symbol on their doorframe.
THIS!
I just don't understand the desire to for non-Jews to own a mezuzah, wear a Jewish Star necklace, etc.
It doesn't make sense to me.
I appreciate that they admire the beauty of these items as some truly are works of art, but the desire to own them just seems weird to me.
What about non-Christians having Christmas trees? Or having a Buddha statue and you're not Buddhist?
I am not Jewish but come from a faith that is VERY open minded and embraces ALL religions so to me, the answer to the OP is a no-brainer: buy it for her.
But, if Jewish law says a non-Jew having a mezzuzah is not okay, or is in essence "watering down" the religion, than I guess I wouldn't get it for her. But, how do you explain it to her?
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| Posted 1/22/13 11:30 AM |
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BunnyWife
Insert Witty Comment Here
Member since 5/07 8274 total posts
Name:
BunnyWife
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by stinger
Posted by PreshusSmurf
Posted by WhatNow
I don't understand requests of that kind, and I am not at all religious. I definitely think it is odd as well. Of course, you don't have to be Jewish to buy a mezuzah, but you also don't have to be Christian Orthodox to buy an icon but you dont' see Jews hanging them up in their homes because they are "pretty". In fact, many of those icons are amazing works of art, but I would never put one in my home because it is first and foremost a religious symbol.
My personal opinion, of course, but I would find it odd and explain to her that it's not just something "admirable" and "pretty" but something that represents a Jewish home and the responsibilities that come with it, and that not that many years ago people were dying for the rights to display that symbol on their doorframe.
THIS!
I just don't understand the desire to for non-Jews to own a mezuzah, wear a Jewish Star necklace, etc.
It doesn't make sense to me.
I appreciate that they admire the beauty of these items as some truly are works of art, but the desire to own them just seems weird to me.
What about non-Christians having Christmas trees? Or having a Buddha statue and you're not Buddhist?
I am not Jewish but come from a faith that is VERY open minded and embraces ALL religions so to me, the answer to the OP is a no-brainer: buy it for her.
I agree. We have lots of different religious icons in our homes that we've purchased while traveling. Every item is treated with respect.
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| Posted 1/22/13 11:35 AM |
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2boys4me
He's coming soon!
Member since 4/10 4260 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by PreshusSmurf
Posted by WhatNow
I don't understand requests of that kind, and I am not at all religious. I definitely think it is odd as well. Of course, you don't have to be Jewish to buy a mezuzah, but you also don't have to be Christian Orthodox to buy an icon but you dont' see Jews hanging them up in their homes because they are "pretty". In fact, many of those icons are amazing works of art, but I would never put one in my home because it is first and foremost a religious symbol.
My personal opinion, of course, but I would find it odd and explain to her that it's not just something "admirable" and "pretty" but something that represents a Jewish home and the responsibilities that come with it, and that not that many years ago people were dying for the rights to display that symbol on their doorframe.
THIS!
I just don't understand the desire to for non-Jews to own a mezuzah, wear a Jewish Star necklace, etc.
It doesn't make sense to me.
I appreciate that they admire the beauty of these items as some truly are works of art, but the desire to own them just seems weird to me.
It's not my desire but I could see one having a desire to do those things because as a Christian we believe in the Old Testament just like Jewish people too so if the reason behind the mezuzah is in the Old Testament then why is that weird if we believe what the Old Testament says as well? It's not someone saying hey that's pretty I want one, its her wanting one because she truely believes in its meaning as she believes in the Old Testament. It is not the same as a Jewish person or Muslim wanting Jesus statues or anything like that in their home because they don't believe in Jesus, they don't think he was the son of God like Christians do.
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| Posted 1/22/13 11:42 AM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Well, what EXACTLY is the meaning behind it ?
The true meaning, not what it 'means' to an individual
If it is a tradition and symbol of a home being blessed and protected by God - well, then I don't think there is anything wrong with any one of any faith owning one. If it's like a big red mark to say "Hey a Jewish family lives here" well, that's different - Just because it's something you would see in a Jewish home because it's origin is Jewish, doesn't mean it can't be appreciated by a non Jewish person and used as a part of their own faith .....Am I right to assume the scroll that is held inside has a specifc religous blessing? Could that blessing absolutely NOT apply to someone of a different faith?
IF it is something that was used or originated around the time of WWII - well, then I can see why that may be offensive to someone Jewish .....someone previously posted about what people had to go through for the right to hand it in their doorway - I can see where that may hit a nerve ......
but I don't think it's sacreligous (spelling?) at all for either you to purchase one, or for a Christian to admire it and want one (I assume she wants one in her home because of what it symbolizes? God's protection)
I am surprised I've never seen one - I was the only Catholic n a sorority house full of Jewish girls for 3 years of college ........I can't believe none of them have one of these !! - I think it's a beautiful idea.
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| Posted 1/22/13 12:48 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
If it's causing this much concern, I would just take the items back to the store, and give her the address of the store she can find them at
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| Posted 1/22/13 12:51 PM |
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GinaR
LIF Adult
Member since 9/08 1976 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Im not jewish and I have one on my door. It was there when we moved in. it wards off bad spirits, right? Some people are spiritual with these types of things even if they exist outside their religion. We would never remove it from our door. I don't know that I would seek one out if we move, but I also don't think having one hurts anyone or anything.
if you don't feel comfortable buying ehr one, then don't. If she wants it because she appreciates what it means and stands for then i don't see the harm if helping her get one.
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| Posted 1/22/13 1:02 PM |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
The Mezzuzah blesses the Jewish home and protects it, yes, but it also serves to remind the home's occupants of their obligations to obey Jewish law and keep a Jewish home. I can totally understand feeling a bit weird about it, but I also don't think it is harmful to give her one.
Remember, one of the MOST important Jewish laws is to not cause embarrassment or humiliation to another person, so if by refusing to do it or telling her it may be against your religion you risk embarrassing her it is far better (according to Halacha or Jewish law) to provide her with the gift.
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| Posted 1/22/13 1:08 PM |
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PreshusSmurf
So in love with my little guys
Member since 1/07 2963 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by stinger
What about non-Christians having Christmas trees? Or having a Buddha statue and you're not Buddhist?
Truth be told, I don't understand wanting to own the items in those examples either.
I only have a Christmas Tree in my house for my husband who is Catholic.
It never would have occurred to me before that as a non-Christian to have a symbol of their holiday in my Jewish home.
It would never occur to me to buy a Buddhist statue.
To each their own, I suppose.
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| Posted 1/22/13 1:34 PM |
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brownie
Baby #1 is here!
Member since 11/08 13903 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by BunnyWife
Posted by stinger
Posted by PreshusSmurf
Posted by WhatNow
I don't understand requests of that kind, and I am not at all religious. I definitely think it is odd as well. Of course, you don't have to be Jewish to buy a mezuzah, but you also don't have to be Christian Orthodox to buy an icon but you dont' see Jews hanging them up in their homes because they are "pretty". In fact, many of those icons are amazing works of art, but I would never put one in my home because it is first and foremost a religious symbol.
My personal opinion, of course, but I would find it odd and explain to her that it's not just something "admirable" and "pretty" but something that represents a Jewish home and the responsibilities that come with it, and that not that many years ago people were dying for the rights to display that symbol on their doorframe.
THIS!
I just don't understand the desire to for non-Jews to own a mezuzah, wear a Jewish Star necklace, etc.
It doesn't make sense to me.
I appreciate that they admire the beauty of these items as some truly are works of art, but the desire to own them just seems weird to me.
What about non-Christians having Christmas trees? Or having a Buddha statue and you're not Buddhist?
I am not Jewish but come from a faith that is VERY open minded and embraces ALL religions so to me, the answer to the OP is a no-brainer: buy it for her.
I agree. We have lots of different religious icons in our homes that we've purchased while traveling. Every item is treated with respect.
Same as bunny
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| Posted 1/22/13 1:39 PM |
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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
As a Catholic I would see no problem with having one in my home, I always viewed them as a blessing from God...whom both Christians and Jews believe in. 
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| Posted 1/22/13 2:23 PM |
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Kathy042806
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 1416 total posts
Name:
Kathy
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by InShock
Posted by StarsStripes
My parents still have the one up in their house that the previous, Jewish, owners left; we are Catholic.
My parents do, too! Same exact thing I was going to post.
We have one also on the outside of the house from the previous owners who were Jewish. We haven't removed it because honestly it blended with the paint on the door frame and if we remove it, it's more obvious, and it doesn't bother us even though we're Catholic.
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| Posted 1/22/13 3:58 PM |
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ModDot
PUMPKIN ALL THE THINGS
Member since 8/11 2196 total posts
Name:
Trissy
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odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
I think you're thinking about this too much, she asked you to buy them because she admired them. You did, just give them to her. What they mean to you and what they mean to her are two different things and that's ok.
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| Posted 1/22/13 4:30 PM |
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RSB34
LIF Toddler
Member since 9/11 453 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
I gave them to her and she was happy! Thanks all
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| Posted 1/22/13 5:34 PM |
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Paramount
Sweet!
Member since 7/12 4287 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by RSB34
Posted by LSP2005
It is my understanding that once a mezzuzah is on a home, unless you actually know that the next family is Jewish, you are supposed to leave your mezzuzah on your home (so as to provide continued protection for the home.) So a non-Jewish family could have a mezzuzah up in their home and it is not sacrilegious.
What if she intends to put a Christian blessing inside??
Then there is a blessing and its a good thing.
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| Posted 1/22/13 5:40 PM |
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
I was raised in an orthodox Jewish family and see nothing wrong with it.
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| Posted 1/22/13 6:15 PM |
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Reese32
LIF Adult
Member since 7/07 3631 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
My aunt is a nun. In her convent, a couple of the guest rooms have mezzuzahs because a Jewish guest gave them as a gift.
I honestly don't know the religious meaning behind them, but if it means God is watching or a blessing, I would think it's ok.
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| Posted 1/22/13 8:08 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by PearlJamChick
I think that given her history of admiring your religion, she will likely treat them as something precious and special.
Agreed, this is how I see it too.
I'm Catholic and I've always admired the Jewish faith - some of their traditions, they are very family-based and ethical, hard working people. So, I identify with that and admire that. I've always been jealous of the Ketubah - a marriage contract, several of my Jewish friends have these - I always think, I wish Catholics had something like this to hang in their home, what a great idea!
Also, growing up, as part of my religious instruction we would attend Temple with our Priest - the Jewish kids would be spoken to by the Priest and the Catholic kids (including me) would be spoken to by the Rabbi. It was a great experience because they preached unity and coming together as "good people" who do "the right thing" vs. the details of WHAT or WHO we believe in. It was really a great thing as a child.
Before marrying DH, also Catholic, I dated several Jewish men (one from Israel) so I've always been exposed to the religion. When Kenneth was hurt, we had so many people write to us saying that they were praying for him, sending us monetary donations in the amount of specific numbers because in their faith it meant healing and recovery and good luck - it was something I had never known about before but I loved it because I felt it expanded my spiritual and religious horizons. I remember my mom saying, we had a Rabbi, Priest, Deacon, and another man who is Islamic come up to pray for Kenneth - they asked if my mom minded - she said ANYONE and ANY religion that wants to ask their God for him to be OK and to watch over him is FINE with us!! 
Some people who are religious and spiritual in one way or one kind of faith like to take an interest in all different religions and traditions too.
Message edited 1/23/2013 1:32:01 PM.
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| Posted 1/23/13 1:31 PM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
Posted by retrochick
I think you're thinking about this too much, she asked you to buy them because she admired them. You did, just give them to her. What they mean to you and what they mean to her are two different things and that's ok.
oh thank god for you.
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| Posted 1/23/13 1:37 PM |
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MrsKS
Thank You St. Gerard.....
Member since 12/09 8306 total posts
Name:
Kerri
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Re: odd request from my nanny- wwyd?
I see nothing wrong with it at all.
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| Posted 1/23/13 1:43 PM |
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