RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

The display of religious symbols by owners can be regulated by associations. Boards must be reasonable in their approach to the subject. Large displays may be prohibited but small ones that are not intrusive should be permitted.

Mezuzah. The mezuzah (Hebrew for doorpost), a small rectangular case (made out of metal, stone, wood, glass, or ceramics), which Jews attach to the doorpost of their homes. In this case, they insert a piece of parchment rolled into a scroll, which contains a prayer in Hebrew.

The mezuzah is placed on a slant on the upper part of the doorpost usually within 30 days of moving into a new home and  signifies the sanctity and blessing of the Jewish home. Attempts by associations to ban the mezuzah would likely fail in court because the symbol is small and fairly innocuous and the religious tradition is well-established.

Updated by ADAMS KESSLER 8/21/2007