Syndication
Alternative Jewelry
Print this article
Email this article
Other articles by Sarah Kricheff
More in Fast ForwardSome Jewish kids secretly long for sparkling Christmas trees and candy-filled Easter baskets, but Carlen Altman was always drawn to another, more pious Christian symbol: the rosary. So the 23-year-old stand-up comedian took matters into her own hands and started making Jewish rosaries.
“I wanted to create something funny and stylish,” said the New York native, whose father is 1960s Borscht Belt comedian Bob Altman (aka Uncle Dirty). “I like how rosaries look.”
Altman’s pieces are handmade, one-of-a-kind necklaces with different ornamentations, including beads shaped as matzo, dreidels, menorahs, fiddlers and Stars of David; she recently ordered chai charms. Some of the necklaces even glow in the dark.
So far, most of the rosaries, which range in price from $25 to $40, have been sold to Altman’s friends, but she says she’s been receiving an increasing number of orders, mostly through word-of-mouth. British supermodel Agyness Deyn, whom Altman met at a concert in New York, is also a proud owner (Deyn is not Jewish). Altman trademarked the term “Jewish Rosaries” and the necklaces are available on her Web site, JewishRosaries.com, and also through her eccentric, not-so-politically correct blog, carlenaltman.blogspot.com, which proclaims a “Jewish Rosary Explosion.” The blog features humorous anecdotes and videos, including a clip titled “Ze Pride of Germany,” which stars an “Aryan” guinea pig wearing a little blond wig.
On first glance, Altman’s blog comes off as a bit irreverent, but in many instances it reveals a sweetly sincere nature. When asked if she thought people might be offended by the idea of Jew-ifying a Catholic holy symbol, Altman responded with an emphatic “No.”
“I’m not trying to make it into a serious thing,” she said. “Religion isn’t always seen as being fashionable. These necklaces are a way for people to be proud of their religion and to be fashionable.”
Altman, who currently lives in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach area, hopes to shop around her rosaries to boutiques in Manhattan, and she dreams of opening her own store someday.
“I feel like the rosaries will bring good luck, and I want people to experience good luck while they’re wearing them,” she said.
Sarah Kricheff is the features editor of the Forward.
Comments
I agree with ART: I came across the article by chance, and I had to read, as a Catholic, out of morbid curiosity: absolutely disgusting. If the maker really showed any sense, he could be accused of a hate crime. As it is, it is deeply offensive and damaging, especially to young Catholics who will baffled to see such grotesque display. Yet, the writer maintains quite a sense of equanimity in reporting this. More proof that Americans are growing more and more apart, trampling on the good works of inter-faith dialogue.
I disagree - with the Jewish Rosary, Miss Altman is clearly making commentary on the recent appropriation of rosary beads as a fashion trend among young, hip urban society. British musician and fashion icon Pete Doherty has had a large part in secularizing this item in recent years, as it is now highly visible with a new set of connotations. Perhaps now with its long-standing sanctity interrupted in the form of a fashion trend, Carlen is just taking advantage of the rosary's powerful image for the sake of lighthearted comedy to allow young people, Jewish and otherwise, to affirm their identity in an irreverent and fashionable way... as young people so often tend to do.
I play in a band in NYC and as a Jew, i've always felt uncomfortable with the notion of the rosary beads being in my stagewear wardrobe... until now!
I'm gettin one!
I disagree - with the Jewish Rosary, Miss Altman is clearly making commentary on the recent appropriation of rosary beads as a fashion trend among young, hip urban society. British musician and fashion icon Pete Doherty has had a large part in secularizing this item in recent years, as it is now highly visible with a new set of connotations. Perhaps now with its long-standing sanctity interrupted in the form of a fashion trend, Carlen is just taking advantage of the rosary's powerful image for the sake of lighthearted comedy to allow young people, Jewish and otherwise, to affirm their identity in an irreverent and fashionable way... as young people so often tend to do.
I play in a band in NYC and as a Jew, i've always felt uncomfortable with the notion of the rosary beads being in my stagewear wardrobe... until now!
I'm gettin one!
I really enjoy what Carlen is doing here. Not only are these creative and stylish, I think what Carlen is doing is admirable. Yes there's an underlying (and funny) sense of irony in her jewelery, but I think that adds to it. This country is a melting pot and I don't have any problems with a Jewish "rosary." And hey, if people are paying for these things, and Carlen makes a few bucks, I'm cool wit dat.
Word.
Another example of another Jew mocking Another symbol of the Catholic Faith,,, no wonder we dont get along
this is great and hysterical, yet respectful and showing jewish pride. it's chic, hip, and fun. i'm going to get one!
I really enjoy what Carlen is doing here. Not only are these creative and stylish, I think what Carlen is doing is admirable. Yes there's an underlying (and funny) sense of irony in her jewelery, but I think that adds to it. This country is a melting pot and I don't have any problems with a Jewish "rosary." And hey, if people are paying for these things, and Carlen makes a few bucks, I'm cool wit dat.
Word.
As an Orthodox Rabbi, I whole-heartedly support Ms. Altman's exploration of cross-culture symbolism.
Didn't Yahrzeit candles get their origin from Catholic votive candles? I see a rosary as a sort of counter. Would a nineteen-bead (Amidah) or a 49-bead (omer)piece serve as an aid to davening?
I think this is a great idea. Far from pushing two prominent religions apart, Miss Altman's rosaries seem to me to be striving for a common ground between the two. It's an expression of unity and coming together. My mother is Catholic and my father was born Jewish, and I can't wait to buy one of these for each of them!
Ms. Altman's Jewish Rosaries are quirky, tongue-in-cheek, hip, stylish, witty, smart, informed, and cutting-edge. Since when is it inappropriate to have a little fun at the expense of your religion? As religion is intended to be a source of guidance and inspiration, then shouldn't it guide and inspire us to have a laugh every now and then? You mustn't take yourself or your religion too seriously; life is far too short for that. I say Bravo, Ms. Altman; G-d bestowed upon us a sense of humor and I'm glad to see you're using yours.
I am from a family of Jewish jewelers.My father is very friendly with a priest.Many years ago the priest came in for a new St. Christopher. My father made him a present of the St.Christopher and also attached a star of David to it.The priest still wears both to this day.
There is a good credit card offer for any consumer so if you know your spending habits it’s not that hard to find a good deal that will allow you to save some money. The best thing is to compare terms and conditions. It is very easy to do so using special sites with professional advice on credit cards such as
discover credit cards transfer fees discover instant approval credit card applications
my religious dogma can coexist with every other religions dogma. love to all, regardless of whether you mix and match bling.
I find this fashion item, in very poor taste. The rosary is the symbol of the Catholic faith. One can wear a Magen David with great beads without taking a symbol that represents another faith, an one that forced Jews to convert for years. I would advise any Jewish kid not to support this item, and not to wear the rosary out of respect for our Catholic friends.