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Showing 1 of 2 conversations about:
Montegrappa Fortuna Chai Teak Fountain Pen
Totty
5
Mar 1, 2019
This has but one word Chai in ii, near the nub. The rest are sacred verses from the Bible that should not be used on the barrel of a pen. These verses are what Jews are to say three times a day and should not be used in such a mundane manner. It is quite disrespectful to be used as such. I would suggest to remove this product from your site.
Tzamaz
47
Mar 1, 2019
TottyThe Shema?
bongo47
2
Mar 1, 2019
TottyUsually the name of G-d would have been replaced in a use like this, but it appears not to have been. So yeah, a foax pas at best. I'm guessing that's why they're dumping them on discount sites like this.
Totty
5
Mar 1, 2019
TzamazYes
Tzamaz
47
Mar 1, 2019
bongo47It would be a bigger faux pas to alter the text with adonai; it should be replaced when spoken.
Tzamaz
47
Mar 1, 2019
TottyI supposed if you intended to only use the pen dry/cap on as a yod you might be ok. But I tend to agree; it trivializes something sacred.
(Edited)
Totty
5
Mar 1, 2019
TzamazImagine the uproar if other religions sacred texts were used in such a manner.
bongo47
2
Mar 1, 2019
TzamazI suppose, but pretty sure there may be differences of traditions in that regard. Either way, I think we agree on the pen. Maybe hang it on a door post?
The_Jniac
322
Mar 1, 2019
TottyI thought that this would have been a rather unique expression of one's faith. Having those verses on a writing instrument that you carry with you everywhere has a certain symbolism to it. I know a priest who has a pen with the lord's prayer engraved on it.
Totty
5
Mar 1, 2019
The_JniacHaving it in a book or similar location yes, not on a pen.
freshmaker
28
Mar 2, 2019
TottyWhy does it matter where it’s written, if the end goal is to have it written on your heart?
Totty
5
Mar 3, 2019
freshmakerThis is a sacred text. It should not be used in such a mundane manner, to sell a pen.
freshmaker
28
Mar 3, 2019
TottyThat's like saying nobody should use a printing press to sell a bible; "it's a sacred text, so it should be written by hand as it was originally." Being on a pen doesn't make the words any less sacred than being printed through a machine, or reading it through a computer screen for that matter.
(Edited)
Totty
5
Mar 3, 2019
freshmakerThe printing press is the modern version of a quill and scroll. Therefore, printing the verses in a book is as was intended and appropriate. This is the modern way texts are reproduced for reading or studying.
Having the verses on the barrel of a pen commercializes the verses in a manner not intended and is, in my opinion, inappropriate.
freshmaker
28
Mar 4, 2019
TottyThat's a fair point, I get what you're saying. I think verses can be written for more than just reading or studying and still be appropriate. I have a bible verse engraved on my wallet so that it's often visible to me. I've had people comment on it and ask what it is, opening the door to conversation. Having a pen with a scripture verse on it could accomplish the same thing, in my opinion. If the pen was defamatory, it would be another thing entirely, but it's not - and while Montegrappa is most certainly turning a profit from it, companies turn profits from selling bibles and online versions of scripture all the time.
Totty
5
Mar 4, 2019
freshmakerI would agree with you if the verse was written in English. As it is written in Hebrew , in my opinion I view it to be quite disrespectful.
AtlantaTom
133
Mar 5, 2019
TottyI agree. The prayer should be treated with respect not trivialized as a decoration. I am fine with the “chai” on the section as it’s often used on household Judaica but a prayer that uses the “Name” for embellishment is not cool.
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