Can a catholic have a mezuzah in their apt.?

If you follow the Torah precept of why Jews affix a mezuzah to the doorposts of our homes,you'll see that it is a physical reminder for those who dwell within of their commitment to the covenant of Israel. It really isn't something that is commanded for those who are not Jewish. It is an actual obligation for a Jew to affix a mezuzah to our homes, and not an obligation for anyone else.

I have no problem with your desire to own and display the religious articles/artifacts of various beliefs, including those of Judaism, if those items are treated and displayed with respect. Your question appears to display that you indeed posses respect for others. Perhaps it might be less disrespectful to any religion or all concerned if the items are put on display in your home as that..a collection of religious articles. To place a mezuzah on any door in your home would indicate to all Jews that a Jew resides in the home. A mezuzah in a display case would not do that.

Unfortunately, many people mistakenly see the mezuzah as some form of amulet or good luck charm rather than what Jews view it to be from the perspective of Torah.

I sincerely thank you for this question and your effort not to disrespect Jews. It is through questions such as this, and dialog between peoples that we learn from one another about our different faith traditions.

Shalom

edit: cardimom, Judaism doesn't have a "Devil" to keep out

and it's purpose is not as a protective amulet or good luck charm

please see link at the very bottom to learn the purpose in Judaism

And I must disagree with Trish's answer regarding what to do with the mezuzahs when moving. I know that my Orthodox relatives all make CERTAIN to remove all mezuzahs when they move unless they know for certain another Jewish family will be moving in.

It is proper to remove a mezuzah when you move, and in fact, it is usually recommended. < that sentence from Jewfaq.org

And I know that when I moved from my first apartment, my (Reform) Rabbi even called to remind me to remove the mezuzahs! (since where I live, it was extremely unlikely another Jew would be moving in)

I'm 51 and never heard of such a custom to leave them, but perhaps in some Jewish communities somewhere it may be that it has become a custom to leave a mezuzah for a new Jewish family...I could imagine in Israel that might be the case, perhaps?

I certainly don't personally see any harm in having one. If it's meaningful to you, then I think it's a good thing; that's what really matters.

Since "mezuzah" actually *means* "doorpost," it wouldn't really be a mezuzah if it's not on a doorpost. However, lots of Jews collect mezuzah cases and display them. Also, it's traditional for mezuzot (the plural) to be placed on doorways inside the home as well as the entryways, so that might be something that you'd want to do. The only place that you *shouldn't* place it would be places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, closets doors, or basements (unless you have a basement workshop), where people don't actually live and work. Bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, dens, kitchens, offices, and so on are rooms that would commonly have a mezuzah.

There are loads of beautiful mezuzah cases on the market - everything from abstract artwork to kid-themed mezuzah cases, and they come in all price ranges from a few dollars to a couple hundred bucks for the really artsy ones. They can be of just about any design you wish, so shop around.

I personally have a simple one made of olive wood on my front door (if you have one outdoors, you may want to keep it low-key, because glitzy ones have a way of getting stolen). My "plant room" where I grow African violets has a purple one with rough amethyst crystals as decoration (seemed fitting); my bedroom has a stone case made from stone quarried in Israel. My living room/dining room has the "nice" one that's made of bronze that's rather abstract but has a depiction of the tablets of the commandments, and my kitchen has one that depicts Jerusalem in gold and colored enamel.

Jewish trivia: When you move, it's considered polite to leave your mezuzah for the next family unless you have reason to think they won't respect it :-)

Shalom :-)

A Mezuzah with a passage fom the gospel, rather than an old testament passage, might be more appropriate for Catholics.

answer: I don't see how that would be disrespectful. I'd refrain from having a kosher scroll inside. I have mezuzahs on the outside doors, gates and on inside doors except closest, bathroom and my mother's room.

Most definately!

There is no reason why you cant have one... it is the symbolism behind it that counts.

It is a blessing, for your house, and all Christian faiths came from Judaism... so I see no harm in having one.... its all about what works for you!

why you can't have your mezuza?

What is Mezuza??

Also first read 1 Timothy 4:1-3

Why not? it just a protection scripture in a holder, I've only seen them on the door "To keep out the Devil" and I thought Mezuzah was Jewish(Hebrew)?

I don't see why you shouldn't follow your conscience on this one. I have a crucifix always.

Just no Menudo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaQ3O444sDM&feature...