Politics

Crist defends Jewish scroll on Capitol door

TALLAHASSEE - Eager to embrace all constituencies, Gov. Charlie Crist now has a boxed Jewish scroll on his office door at the Capitol.

The mezuzah, a portion of sacred Jewish parchment contained inside a case, was placed on the door by the governor last week with assistance from Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Panhandle. The mezuzah was a gift from state Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, during a trade mission to Israel this year.

Crist's decision to put the mezuzah in his office, which he often describes as "the people's house," has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups.

The mezuzah contains the text of two prayers, the Shema and Veahavta, written on a parchment scroll and attached to the threshold of a room, building or home as a blessing.

When asked about a conflict between church and state Tuesday, Crist defended his decision to have the mezuzah displayed at his office.

"Why not?" he responded. "I think it's appropriate to respect all others and I think it's important to realize that we have a very diverse and magnificent state."

Larry Spalding, the legislative lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, disagreed.

"It would be appropriate in the governor's mansion or in his office where he works," Spalding said Tuesday. "But when you place it in an area where it even has the appearance of giving the government stamp of approval, then I think you violate that neutrality principle."

[Last modified October 16, 2007, 23:14:45]