Make your own conclusions. Though I do like the one of Adderabbi :-)Health warning over hospital mezuzot
Published: 02/24/2008Devout Jews should think twice about kissing hospital mezuzot.
According to an Israeli study released this month by Assaf Harofeh Hospital, mezuzot in medical wards frequently carry germs and bacteria that can lead to illnesses such as urinary tract infections, intestinal upsets and skin rashes.
The conclusions were reached after studying 70 mezuzot from different parts of the hospital. Though the communicability of the illnesses is far greater among patients, whose immune system may be compromised, doctors said healthy hospital staff and visitors also should take precautions.
Many religiously oriented Jews touch mezuzot when passing and then kiss their fingers as a sign of reverence for the biblical inscription carried within.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
For the Germophobes around us
With a hat tip to ADDeRabbi, I'd like to offer this short article from JTA:
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8 comments:
1. ADDeRabbi has a point, maybe it was missing letters ;-)
2. One should use their head! At the hospital I wouldn't touch anything...
3. I wonder if Mezuza's and bathroom door handles have the same germ amount?
4. Is it Halacha to kiss the mezuza?
#2: People do use their heads. Actually, their lips :-)
#3: Depends on how frum people are in the place. If everyone opens the door, and kisses the mezuzah, then theoretically yes.
#4: Is it Halacha - I'd guess not. I have to look into it.
anonymous?
Anonymous people know the name of the blogger and yet we do not know the name of the anonymous...come out of hiding.
The blog reflects the mood of one who is blogging :)
If you want something upbeat you should create a blog and talk about upbeat things like....flowers and sunshine :)
Anonymous is the name of several commenters out there. Usually it's for one of three reasons:
a) Can't think up a good pseudonym
b) Want to be abusive without having to pay for it later
c) Worried about repercussions if someone figures out who he/she is.
You can usually tell which from the quality of the comment.
Actually this is nothing to laugh about, comrades. I'm the Safety Officer of a hospital in Chicago and Infection Control is something we take very seriously.
There is an easy solution to this issue. All you have to do is to touch the mezuzah with your middle and ring fingers and kiss the index finger.
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