[LM_NET] Religious Books

[Michelle Ohnstad <michelle.ohnstad@GMAIL.COM>]

Your last sentence is a little much.  Aside from that, mostly religious Jews
abide by the tradition of burying a religious book with G-d's name.  One
reason religious Jews write G-d as G-d is that they may not know what
happens to the paper or email that the word is written on and would
therefore not want to take a chance that it's desecrated in some fashion.
It's more of a tradition rather than a superstition.  Jews don't believe
that lightning will strike us down if we don't follow it.

In terms of the original discussion, I don't think people are advocating
driving every old Qu'ran or Torah or Bible to a religious institution for
disposal.  I think the OP was merely trying to find out what the most
respectful method of disposal would be in his/her case.  It could also be a
matter of plain old curiosity since never before in our recent history have
we been as curious and aware of Muslims and Islamic culture.  And perhaps
knowing how it is done could be information that a student might need
someday.

Me, I'd probably call a mosque or email an Islamic center and ask; they'd
probably appreciate the chance to educate non-followers.  Otherwise, I'd
discard like I always do.

Lastly, burning books?  It has to be Fahrenheit 451, right?  How hot does a
fireplace get?

Michelle




Date:    Mon, 4 Feb 2008 09:31:19 -0800
From:    David Triche <David-Triche.SITE-PO2.SCUSD@SAC-CITY.K12.CA.US>
Subject: Religious Books

Would you consider me disrespectful if I did not dispose of a book in a =
certain manner?  I mean where do you draw the line?  Scientology considers =
itself a religion.  Do we ask each and every sect what we should do and =
follow their rules.  One person wrote me and said a group of Jews requires =
than any mention of God in print be buried when  disposed of.  An they, =
because they most likely know it is a ridiculous rule, never write God, =
but instead write G_d.  Look, I will treat religious books in the same way =
I treat other books. I mean, if other people have the time to take books =
to Mosques and churches fine, but I would rather work with my students and =
attend to my job, which is not to follow every superstitious religious =
dictate.

-- 
Michelle S. Ohnstad, MLIS
michelle.ohnstad@gmail.com
Head Librarian
La Jolla Country Day School
La Jolla, CA
Web: http://www.ljcds.org

Library Media Specialist
Pacific Ridge School
Carlsbad, CA
Web:  http://www.pacificridge.org

Wiki: http://www.independentschoollibraries.wikispaces.com
Blog: http://indy-school-librarian.blogspot.com/
SLA-SD Chapter Blog Administrator


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