Graves of people connected to Greek Letter Societies

[badgeguy]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

It is a Hebrew (and Biblical) word, though I wonder if you are thinking of mitzvah.

Mizpah. And:

"Laban said, 'This heap [of stones] is a witness between you and me this day.' Therefore it was named Galeed, and Mizpah, for he said, 'May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.'"

Genesis 31:48-49. This is referred to as the Covenant of Mizpah.

Cool. Thanks for the clarification. I was curious becuase after reading this book I have been wondering if there weren't groups who had used Judaic symbolism or may have had ties to judisiam in the 1800s. But alas that's a discussion for another topic!

BG

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by badgeguy

Cool. Thanks for the clarification. I was curious becuase after reading this book I have been wondering if there weren't groups who had used Judaic symbolism or may have had ties to judisiam in the 1800s. But alas that's a discussion for another topic!

BG

It may have more with the study of Hebrew (common for those entering the ministry, for example) than an actual link to Judaism. Our badge has a Hebrew word on it, but we have no specific ties to Judaism other than those to the Old Testament.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

It may have more with the study of Hebrew (common for those entering the ministry, for example) than an actual link to Judaism. Our badge has a Hebrew word on it, but we have no specific ties to Judaism other than those to the Old Testament.

The Mispah Covenant was a very common motif (if that's the right word) in 19th Century Christianity, mainly Protestantism. Mizpah jewelry was very much in vogue.

The interesting thing is that this usage reflects an understanding of love and affection -- quite different from the biblical usage. In Genesis, Laban is basically telling Jacob "I don't trust you as far as I can see you, so just know that when I can't watch you, God is still watching, and you'll pay if you double-cross me."