Q. My wife bought crystal candlesticks holders to give as a present and she noticed that on the brand name of the product on the box and on the candlestick there is a crown with a cross on it. Are we allowed to give the present to a Jewish couple or is better to get a different gift.

I would also like to know why nobody is concerned with the cross on the car plates in Ontario.

A. Remoh (Y.D. 141,1) prescribes that a cross, worn on a necklace and used as a symbol and not as an object of direct worship is permitted (in benefit). Many Poiskim allow the use of coins, stamps or utensils that have a cross on them, since they are used only as a decoration. (Shach ibid., Chochmas Odom 85,1, see also Igrois Moishe Y.D. 1,69 in regards to a medallion or an award). Some Poiskim advise to take off or erase part of the cross.(ibid.). The above would apply to car plates too.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that even if they are permitted in use, one should preferably not have them around in one’s home, especially not on the candlesticks of the Shabbos table.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a