Mezuzah restrictions, anti-Semitism, and the definition of a doorpost

Did you know that some condominium associations may have the right to keep a homeowner from posting a mezuzah at the doorway entrance?

It happened to Barbara Cadranel of Stratford, CT. In 2012, she received a stern letter from her condo association demanding that she remove the mezuzah from her doorpost or pay a fine of $50 per day. According to the rules of the association, residents at this particular condo complex could place anything they wanted on their doors, just not on the doorpost.

What the condo association failed to recognize – we’ll blame it on ignorance – is that the Torah specifically states that a mezuzah  must be placed on the doorpost (Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:20). In fact, the Hebrew word “mezuzah” means doorpost.

Many who sided with Cadranel saw the restriction as anti-Semitic, while others saw it as violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. Either way, a lawsuit was filed and the doorway drama began.

This particular condominium association has since reversed its decision to prohibit mezuzot on the doorposts of residents’ units, and the matter has been resolved. However, similar occurrences have led to “mezuzah laws” in Texas, Illinois and Florida.

This is precisely why the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island recently introduced legislation at the General Assembly, where Representative J. Aaron Regunberg is the primary sponsor, and Representatives Mia A. Ackerman and Edith H. Ajello are co-sponsors.

Marty Cooper, director of the Community Relations Council, said he first heard of this potential problem when a member of the Jewish community brought up the issue. “After considerable research, I discovered that Jews in Illinois, Florida and Texas were forced to seek legislation by their municipalities and states to override condominium bylaws.

This was done in each case after lengthy court battles and legal fees. The legislation we are introducing,” said Cooper “is a proactive measure to prevent legal fees, court issues and angst. It will assure Jews the right to hang a mezuzah on their doorpost regardless of where they live.”

Testimony for the bill was heard on April 1 in the Judiciary Committee. Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Congregation Beth Sholom in Providence spoke about the significance of the mezuzah and the mandate that it be placed directly on a doorpost. Dolinger also mentioned that he personally has heard of 21 reports where condominium owners were not allowed to place a mezuzah on their doorway entrance. In each case, he was able to persuade the management of the condominium association to make an exception. Moreover, he added that legislation would reduce the number of inquiries and significantly reduce anxiety levels of the condominium owner.

“This isn’t just a matter of religious freedom,” remarked Cooper. “It’s about preserving our dignity as Jews and educating others about our mitzvot.”

A similar bill introduced by Senators Joshua Miller and Gayle L. Goldin will be heard later in the session.

Senators Miller and Golden (along with Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis) are also sponsoring anti-Semitism legislation. A similar resolution, sponsored by Representatives Regunberg, Ackerman, Gregg Amore, and K. Joseph Shekarchi, was recently passed in the House. On the same day Cooper and Rabbi Dolinger offered testimony for the “mezuzah law,” they both provided testimony for a resolution to condemn anti-Semitism.

Senator Goldin, the primary sponsor of the legislation said that this resolution was important to her because she personally experienced anti-Semitism as a child and that it is, sadly, on the rise. Rabbi Dolinger reported instances where he has been the object of anti-Semitic attacks. He also spoke of the )rthodox community being particularly vulnerable. Cooper discussed increasing anti-Semitism in Europe and in the United States. He cited a 60 page report from Jewish Federations of North America that provided briefings of countless incidents of anti-Semitism worldwide. He pointed out that the majority were in America.

“I receive countess calls and letters from the community concerning this issue—from students being bullied to swastikas painted on bus stops,” said Cooper. “Our hope is that by establishing a mezuzah law and legislation against Anti-Semitism we will create a safer, more just place to live.”

KARA MARZIALI is the director of communications for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.