New Jersey and New York Condominium Associations Should Allow Mezuzahs

ER 18, 2010

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD BE SENSITIVE TO RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS -- OR RISK HORRIBLE PUBLIC OUTCRY

There have been numerous reports of condominiums making people take mezuzahs off their front door frames.   These very small items are important for Jewish people and it is simply outrageous that an association would demand that this kind of object be removed.  Or any similar religious ornament.  

See the attached 2012 article from the Fox News website.   This is the kind of publicity such an insensitive demand will receive.  And more importantly, this demand may violate federal and state laws.  

One issue that is very important in every community association is the concept of respect. People in community associations have some measure of interdependence. They need each other to survive.

While perhaps technically correct, a demand to reeve an important religious or cultural item that is not intrusive or overly burdensome is plainly disrespectful.  And that is never the right attitude to be displayed by an Association's Board.

Respect means doing what is just plain right. If we can’t respect each other, after all, how can we live together?

If an association is not allowing installation of religious items, then I suggest having a private meeting with the Board and educating the Board members. Often these issues arise out of misunderstandings.

If that does not work, you may seek alternate dispute resolution.

If that does not work, judicial relief is an option.   However, litigation is costly and always divisive.  It is always a last resort.  Not the first one.