Is It Offensive For a Christian To Put Up a Mezuzah?

Hello,

I’m sure you are acutely aware of rising antisemitism here in the US. It disgusts me. I’m Christian, but we share a close bond with the Jewish people. I transitioned from a non-practicing Christian to a practicing one four years ago, due to the rise in anti-Christian sentiment around the world. There comes a time where we have to decide what we believe, and what we’re willing to do for that belief. For me it was clear; if they come for the Christians, they are coming for me. If I have to die on that hill, I will do so. I realize that this could literally happen. It has before, and it is happening for people in other parts of the world. I accept that.

I feel the same way about the Jewish people. I want to stand with them and be counted among them. Another Rabbi that I read suggested that we could add Mezuzahs to our houses. I love that idea, but I did some searching, and it appears that some may find that offensive. I want to stand and be counted with the Jewish people, and I also don’t want to offend. Can you offer advice on this?

BTW, I’ve listened to you on the Glenn Beck show, and subscribed to your newsletter before, but lost track due to some life changes. I always found your writing inspiring and valuable. I’m glad to be back.

Thank you,

Mike

Dear Mike,

What an interesting road to Christianity you took! We are hearing more frequently about people who are being led to manifest their faiths more seriously and openly because of the virulent cultural opposition to that faith.

We appreciate both your desire to show support for Jews as well as your sensitivity about the best way to do so. We will note that we can’t think of anything that doesn’t arouse someone’s offense in our hypersensitive days. If we may rephrase your question, the question isn’t if anyone is offended, it is if your actions would actually be inconsiderate.

The answer is most decidedly not. Your mounting a mezuzah upon your front door would be an act of courage and friendship.

But now let us take a few minutes to explore just what a mezuzah is. First, we have to separate the mezuzah from the mezuzah case. A kosher mezuzah contains several Biblical verses hand-written by a certified scribe on a specially prepared parchment. It fulfills the command found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. Bible-believing Jews post a mezuzah on the entrance to their house and the doors to every room in the house, apart from bathrooms.

In contrast, there are no requirements for a mezuzah case, whose only function is utilitarian; to protect the mezuzah. Mezuzah cases are made from plastic, wood, metal, clay or any material at all. They are plain or ornamental, classical or modern, inexpensive or costly. In fact, two of our grandchildren, age 10, produce wooden mezuzah cases for sale.

We can only answer how we personally feel about Christians putting up a mezuzah on their front door, not how anyone else would feel. Firstly, we (and we think most thoughtful Jews) feel immeasurable gratitude for the desire of Christian friends to stand with and defend their Jewish neighbors and fellow citizens. We know of several communities where Jewish windows hosting menorahs were shattered on Chanukah and the response of their Christian neighbors was to light menorahs in their own windows the following nights of the holiday. It is said that Denmark’s King Christian X wore a yellow Jewish star on his clothing when the Nazis ordered Jews to identify themselves in that way in 1940. So, wanting to use a mezuzah as a way of saying, “If you come for my Jewish neighbor you are coming for me,” follows in admirable footsteps.

Because the scroll that is placed in the mezuzah is required to be treated according to rules of holiness as befit their religious purpose, and because they are meant to fulfill a Jewish religious obligation, we suggest that you might choose to place a mezuzah case on your door without the scroll inside. Alternatively, you could easily insert a readily available printed scroll rather than a parchment one surrounded by regulation.

With much appreciation,

Rabbi Daniel and Susan Lapin

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