Is a non Jew allowed to wear the tablets of the 10 commandments as a necklace?
I am sking this question because I heard that a non Jew is not allowed to wear a mezuza as a necklace even if it is not a real mezuza.
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2I can't see why not, but as I am no expert and have no proof, I will resist answering authoritatively. Do you have any reason to think that Judaism limits how a non-Jew dresses or how a non-Jew crafts jewelry?– rosendsCommented Sep 11, 2015 at 10:43
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1A better way of asking this might be something along the lines of "Would it be culturally appropriate for a non-Jew to wear a necklace with Jewish iconography such as the Ten Commandments?" or a simpler restatement of the above.– Noach MiFrankfurtCommented Sep 11, 2015 at 11:35
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If you're discussing this within the context of Jewish law, or for that matter Noahide law, the only problem I could see is if the inscription of the 10 commandments uses the 4-letter name of G-d. Even Noahides have an obligation not to desecrate G-d's name. Thus, PERHAPS, there may be a problem with wearing this type of necklace while in a bathroom or if it falls & someone steps on it. I'd have to research that angle a bit further. However, please edit your question so that we understand its focus.– DanFCommented Sep 11, 2015 at 14:05
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"Allowed to"? By whose rules?– Seth JCommented Sep 11, 2015 at 15:22
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I edited the question and said what is the purpose of it– milCommented Sep 11, 2015 at 15:31
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1 Answer
I viewed this wiki article which presents various viewpoints on not just the mezuzah issue but the concept of Noahides performing Jewish mitzvoth. While there are various viewpoints, there is a common denominator regarding the mezuzah.
The prohibition is that Noahides are forbidden from affixing a kosher (real) mezuzah to their doorposts. There is nothing stated about wearing a kosher mezuzah as a necklace, though, I could see some problems for even a Jew doing this, as it has G-d's name in it and could be treated improperly or disrespectfully. Thus, a similar problem would occur if the 10 commandments charm uses the 4-letter name of G-d (or any Hebrew written name of G-d) on it, as even Noahides are commanded not to desecrate G-d's name.
Beyond that, if it is neither a real mezuzah or the symbol of the 10 Commandment tablets with, say, no "inscription" or not having G-d's name, I can't see that as problematic.
As far as possible concerns of mar'it ayin (loosely translated as other people who see this will assume your violating a prohibition), I think these days, the majority of the public is accustomed to people wearing various charms as a necklace. Certainly, regarding the 10 commandments, no one will think that they are the "real" thing, anyway, b/c a real Torah wouldn't fit around your neck!
To verify all this, speak to a competent rabbi.
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Could you cite the prohibition? The only thing I've ever found is that the Radbaz was choichech/deliberated on the matter of tefillin, mezuzot, and scrolls.– EhevuTovCommented Sep 11, 2015 at 22:16
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I believe that the linked article cites Rambam. Inform me if not.– DanFCommented Sep 13, 2015 at 20:18
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No where in Rambam does it say Bnei Noach cannot do Mitzvot. Hilchot Melachim 10:10 says that they may do any if performed properly.– EhevuTovCommented Sep 13, 2015 at 22:13