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“New Testament” in Hotel Room

In practically all hotels (and many hostels) outside the Land of Israel, it’s customary for there to be a ‘New’ Testament in a bedside drawer.

I remember reading before that there’s a positive mitzvah not go keep sacreligious objects in one’s immediate surroundings, especially irreligious books, and all the more so books of other faiths (avodah zara).

I guess there’s nothing one can really do in such a situation, as it would surely be assur to interfere with the hotel’s property (which the book is), but is there any recommended advice to follow?

Thanks.

Answer:

The “New Testament” is not Avodah Zarah, but is rather classified as “sifrei minus.”

Although it is not permitted to read (see Rambam, Avodah Zarah 2:2), you don’t have to do anything about it, and as you note, it is not your property to “burn it.”

Best wishes.

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