Mezuzoth, the parchment inscribed with the biblical passages Deut. vi. 4-9 and xi. 13-21, sent by mail to Jews to be placed on their doorposts, became a matter of grave concern to the provincial authorities of a town near here.
The question that arose was whether the Hebrew inscriptions, hieroglyphics to the post office authorities, were subject to the censorship imposed on all printed matter sent through the mails.
Those favoring censorship of the Mezuzoth were opposed by other officials who held that the parchments were manuscripts and therefore not subject to the regulations for printed matter. Others, again, pointed out that religious objects should not be subjected to the censor’s critical eye.
Unable to reach a decision the matter was submitted to the Starosta, governor of the district. The urban official advised the small town police officials to tackle more tangible problems which await solution for the welfare of the Republic.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
