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What is Mezuzah in Judaism?
Mezuzah is a Hebrew word that means Doorpost in English. According to the tradition and culture followed by Jewish people, Mezuzah hanging is affixed at the entrance of the doorpost in Jewish homes.
In addition to this, the mezuzah scroll is also placed at the entrance of each interior room except the bathroom. The Mezuzah contains a small scroll on which the two biblical passages are written. The scroll is usually inserted in a casing that can be made up of metal, wood, or even plastic these days.
Origin of Mezuzah
The origin of Mezuzah can be attributed to recall the exodus from Egypt when lamb’s blood smeared on the doorpost, and they identify it as the home of Jewish people, and it was said that God passed over during the plague of the firstborn. From that day 0nwards, the Mezuzah has been an important part of the Jewish Symbols.
Travelling through the world, you can easily identify the home of Jewish people by looking at the authentic Mezuzah placed on the doorstep. As per Jewish holy books and culture, if we want our inner self to reflect Godly ideals, we have to protect it from the outside world at the entrance or doorway. Thus, the Mezuzah is placed at the doorstep of every Jewish household.
The source of the Jewish commandment on the mezuzah appears twice in the Book of Deuteronomy:
6. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
ו וְהָיוּ הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם--עַל-לְבָבֶךָ. ז וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ, וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם, בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ, וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ. ח וּקְשַׁרְתָּם לְאוֹת, עַל-יָדֶךָ; וְהָיוּ לְטֹטָפֹת, בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ. ט וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-מְזֻזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ, וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ.
18. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21. so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lordswore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.
יח וְשַׂמְתֶּם אֶת-דְּבָרַי אֵלֶּה, עַל-לְבַבְכֶם וְעַל-נַפְשְׁכֶם; וּקְשַׁרְתֶּם אֹתָם לְאוֹת עַל-יֶדְכֶם, וְהָיוּ לְטוֹטָפֹת בֵּין עֵינֵיכֶם. יט וְלִמַּדְתֶּם אֹתָם אֶת-בְּנֵיכֶם, לְדַבֵּר בָּם, בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ, וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ. כ וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ, וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ. כא לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם, וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם, עַל הָאֲדָמָה, אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם--כִּימֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, עַל-הָאָרֶץ.
What is a Mezuzah case?
The Mezuzah is always stored inside a protective cover, which is known as the Mezuzah case. You can get Mezuzah directly from the Sofer or the Judaica or Mezuzah store that is already rolled inside the Mezuzah cover. It is very important to purchase Mezuzah from an authentic store so that you can be sure that Mezuzah installation is done correctly.
You can get numerous varieties of Mezuzah covers in the market. From plain plastic covers to costly metal covers, you can get Mezuzah covers in different varieties and prices. Although you should check the quality of cover, it is important to invest in the best quality Mezuzah scroll.
What is a Mezuzah Scroll?
Two parts or verses of Deuteronomy are written on the Mezuzah parchment or the scroll. These verses are written in Hebrew. The two verses include verse 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. These verses are the only words that are written on Mezuzah parchment. Other than these verses, only the G-d’s name sha-dai is written on the reverse end of the scroll.
What is written inside a Mezuzah scroll?
Mezuzah is one of the most important Jewish Symbols, and placing a Mezuzah on the door entry is an important part of Jewish culture. A Mezuzah is made up of two parts, the case, and the Mezuzah scroll. The scroll part is the actual part of the Mezuzah.
The Mezuzah scroll basically contains two paragraphs from the Torah. The summary of the two paragraphs written inside the Mezuzah explains that Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a Mezuzah.
The verses are taken from the book of Deuteronomy in the holy book of the Bible. These words written inside the Mezuzah scroll are the words the Jewish people actually seem to live by.
4. Hear, O Israel: The Lordour God, the Lordis one. 5Love the Lordyour God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
ד שְׁמַע, יִשְׂרָאֵל: יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ, יְהוָה אֶחָד. ה וְאָהַבְתָּ, אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, בְּכָל-לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל-נַפְשְׁךָ, וּבְכָל-מְאֹדֶךָ. ו וְהָיוּ הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם--עַל-לְבָבֶךָ. ז וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ, וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם, בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ, וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ. ח וּקְשַׁרְתָּם לְאוֹת, עַל-יָדֶךָ; וְהָיוּ לְטֹטָפֹת, בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ. ט וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-מְזֻזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ, וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ.
13. So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lordyour God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— 14. then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. 15. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. 16. Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lordis giving you. 18. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21. so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lordswore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.
יג וְהָיָה, אִם-שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ אֶל-מִצְוֺתַי, אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם, הַיּוֹם--לְאַהֲבָה אֶת-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, וּלְעָבְדוֹ, בְּכָל-לְבַבְכֶם, וּבְכָל-נַפְשְׁכֶם. יד וְנָתַתִּי מְטַר-אַרְצְכֶם בְּעִתּוֹ, יוֹרֶה וּמַלְקוֹשׁ; וְאָסַפְתָּ דְגָנֶךָ, וְתִירֹשְׁךָ וְיִצְהָרֶךָ. טו וְנָתַתִּי עֵשֶׂב בְּשָׂדְךָ, לִבְהֶמְתֶּךָ; וְאָכַלְתָּ, וְשָׂבָעְתָּ. טז הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם, פֶּן יִפְתֶּה לְבַבְכֶם; וְסַרְתֶּם, וַעֲבַדְתֶּם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶם, לָהֶם. יז וְחָרָה אַף-יְהוָה בָּכֶם, וְעָצַר אֶת-הַשָּׁמַיִם וְלֹא-יִהְיֶה מָטָר, וְהָאֲדָמָה, לֹא תִתֵּן אֶת-יְבוּלָהּ; וַאֲבַדְתֶּם מְהֵרָה, מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה, אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה, נֹתֵן לָכֶם. יח וְשַׂמְתֶּם אֶת-דְּבָרַי אֵלֶּה, עַל-לְבַבְכֶם וְעַל-נַפְשְׁכֶם; וּקְשַׁרְתֶּם אֹתָם לְאוֹת עַל-יֶדְכֶם, וְהָיוּ לְטוֹטָפֹת בֵּין עֵינֵיכֶם. יט וְלִמַּדְתֶּם אֹתָם אֶת-בְּנֵיכֶם, לְדַבֵּר בָּם, בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ, וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ. כ וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ, וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ. כא לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם, וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם, עַל הָאֲדָמָה, אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם--כִּימֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, עַל-הָאָרֶץ.
Why Jewish hang Mezuzah?
Under the Jewish symbolism, Mezuzah is an important element. Affixing a Mezuzah means that the people who live here follow and practice an authentic Jewish life. A Jewish household is one in which people who live follow the faith, practice, and all preaching provided by Jewish scripture.
As per Jewish History, the Jewish way of life is a portable faith, and you can take it anywhere, and everywhere you go.
A Mezuzah or the Klaf is a parchment on which the two verses from Torah are written. Jewish people place Mezuzah as the Mezuzah serves two functions. Every time Jewish people enter or leave their home, the Mezuzah reminds them that they have a covenant with God. Secondly, the parchment serves as a symbol to every Jewish person that the particular household is a Jewish household, and it operates by the Mezuzah rules, rituals, and beliefs.
What does Mezuzah symbolize?
Most Jewish households have a Mezuzah affixed on the entry door. The Mezuzah symbolizes that every person residing in the household is Jewish, and they have a connection with God. Over the years, Mezuzah has been one of the most important Jewish symbols.
There is a Biblical origin about affixing the Mezuzah on the entry door. The Mezuzah serves as a constant reminder to Jewish people that they have a connection with God.
It is also said that affixing Mezuzah on the entry door offers protection against any evil eye and the danger that surrounds it. As per Jewish traditions, God also promises that if Jewish people follow these commandments, they will be rewarded with a long life.
Thus, if you are passing by a house that has a Mezuzah on its door, you can be sure that the owners believe in God, and they follow the commandments of God on a daily basis.
How to hang a Mezuzah?
Mounting a Mezuzah may seem a challenging task, but it is not. The first point that you need to know is that Mezuzah needs to be affixed on every door of the living space. It should not be hanged on the bathroom doors.
The Mezuzah should be placed as soon as you move into the new residing place or within 30 days of entry into your home. A temporary residence or a place where you are living for less than 30 days does not need Mezuzah.
The Mezuzah should be placed on the right end of the door. It should also be placed at the lower part of the top third of the doorpost. The Mezuzah is affixed in a slant angle. It is very important to check the Mezuzah angle, and it should be slant.
The lower part of the container or the cover containing Mezuzah should be towards you, and it should face the right doorpost. It is very important to be sure that the Mezuzah should not fall. Thus, the Mezuzah should be hanged pretty securely.
Why is the Mezuzah slanted?
This is a technical question, and the answer goes back to historical debate. Rashi , one of the greatest Rebbis in Jewish history, and his grandson Rabbeinu Tam were in disagreement about the way Mezuzah should be hanged. Rashi was of the opinion that the Mezuzah should be hanged upright in the same way as the Torah scroll is upright.
On the other hand, Rabbeinu Tam said that the Mezuzah should be hanged horizontally the way Torah was read. Thus, not to disregard anyone of them, the Jewish law told people to follow both directions, and thus, the Mezuzah was positioned slanted.
How to check a Mezuzah?
The Mezuzah should be made by following all laws, traditions, and customs of the Jewish law. Some of the points you need to check about Mezuzah are the following:
- Mezuzah must be handwritten.
- It should be written by a competent scribe.
- The Mezuzah should be written on specially prepared parchment.
- The Mezuzah will also be examined by a competent scribe after it is written.
- The constant change in temperature, heat, and weather changes can fade away the ink, and the words can get destroyed. Thus, it needs to get changed.
How often to check Mezuzah?
A competent scribe can check the Mezuzah at least twice every seven years or once every three and a half years. Thus, if you witness any change in colour and fading away from letters and words in the Mezuzah, get it checked by calling a competent scribe.
How and When to remove Mezuzah?
The obligation of Mezuzah lies upon the inhabitant. Thus, if you are leaving the house, permanently, you need to take away the Mezuzah. But, if the next person who enters the house as a resident is Jewish, it is forbidden to remove the Mezuzah. But, you need to ask the next owner to pay for the Mezuzah.
In addition to this, you can also remove the Mezuzah from the summer bungalow at the end of the summer season, and also if there is a chance of vandalism.
What is Mezuzah kosher?
Many households have no kosher mezuzah. Although a non-kosher mezuzah is not invalidated, a kosher Mezuzah is said to be more authentic. The Kosher Mezuzah is written by an authentic Israeli scribe who is competent enough to write it.
Thus, if a Mezuzah is written by a competent person who has the authenticity of writing it, the Mezuzah is called the Kosher. The Mezuzah Kosher is basically a scroll that is made up by using handmade parchment from a kosher animal.
Is a mezuzah Considered an amulet in Judaism?
As a result of the lettering and as a result of the prevailing superstition around the world, some people tend to think of Mezuzah as an amulet. The Mezuzah was considered as an amulet not only in medieval times but also in the present modern world.
But, to be sure, a Mezuzah is not a protective device or a magical charm, not the absence of Mezuzah is linked to any sort of punishment for Jewish people. Instead, Mezuzah is a sign of the covenants of our love, and commitment, and willingness to create a Jewish household.
How to buy Mezuzah
How much does a Mezuzah scroll cost?
The average price for which you can get a Mezuzah is $30. But, Mezuzah is also sold by unauthorized dealers, and sometimes sellers sell Mezuzah that is written by kids. But, these are not the authentic Mezuzah, and you should be aware before purchasing the type of Mezuzah.
What is a Mezuzah made of?
The Mezuzah can be made up of different types of material. Thus, it can be made up of either marble, a wooden plate, a sheet of high-quality paper, or any other material on which the verses can be written. The quality of the material that makes up a Mezuzah can also depend on the location of the Mezuzah placement. This means for exterior doors, the wood mezuzah is considered best, and for interior doors, you can also buy the verses written on high-quality papers.
What is a Mezuzah necklace?
If you want to gift a Mezuzah jewelry to someone you love, the Mezuzah necklace can be one of the best options you can choose as one of the best Judaica gifts. For those who believe in the power of Mezuzah to provide protection from evil eyes, it can be a great gift idea. For those who don’t see in this way, it can just be a great Jewish symbol gift.
Just like the Star of David is an ideal gift option for Jewish people, the Mezuzah necklace can also be liked by Jewish people. Since the Mezuzah is mostly placed on the doors, it is still not quite as common as jewelry which makes it a very original gift idea
Hamsa Mezuzah
The meaning of Hamsa is a Judaism symbol that represents the Protective hand of God. the Hamsa Mezuzah has the elongated letter Shin and an eye. A raised hand represents protection and welcome.
Installing a Hamsa Mezuzah on your door represents that you will receive good luck and stay away from evilness and bad luck. Thus, a Hamsa Mezuzah can be an appealing and graceful blessing for your home.
Gold Mezuzah Necklace
A Gold Mezuzah necklace can be one of the best gift options you can give to someone who follows Judaism religiously. Beautiful jewellery based on Judaica symbols is pretty popular and in trends these days. You can even gift a Gold Mezuzah necklace for a wedding or on a special occasion.
What is the Mezuzah Pendant?
A Mezuzah pendant is a symbolic representation of the door Mezuzah. Although not compulsory, people wear the Mezuzah pendant as they believe that the pendant will provide them with protection against all kinds of evil and dangers. Most Mezuzah pendants have Shin for Shaddai written on their front.
Contemporary Mezuzah
The contemporary Mezuzah is a modern designed Mezuzah that comes in a variety of shapes and forms. It may or may not be available with a scroll. You can get different contemporary Mezuzah from online stores. These contemporary Mezuzah are a perfect gift for weddings, housewarming parties, baby showers, and other Jewish holidays/festivals.
Antique Mezuzah
The antique Mezuzah is a great gift option if you are thinking about gifting Mezuzah to any age, grandparents, young friends, people who are older, anyone. The antique Mezuzah is traditionally designed, and it features two tablets of the ten Commandments. Mostly, the antique Mezuzah is made in Israel.
14K Gold Mezuzah Pendant
If you are confused about what to give to Jewish your friend for her wedding or housewarming celebration, the 14K gold Mezuzah pendant can be the perfect choice to look for. The Mezuzah depicted on the pendant will serve them as a reminder to their ancient culture, and they will always believe in the uniqueness of God.
Mens Mezuzah Necklace
The Mezuzah necklace can be one of the perfect gift options for men. The Mezuzah necklace for men is mostly adorned with the Star of David or carved Mitzvah. Mostly, the men’s Mezuzah necklaces are made up of silver and gold. Thus, if you want to give something to a Jewish man, the Mezuzah necklaces can be a pretty great option.
Jerusalem Stone Mezuzah
Different types of stones and rocks are found in Jerusalem, and these days Jerusalem stone Mezuzah are in trends. The colour of these pendants can vary according to the stone used information. Thus, the colour can be white, beige, or even pink in colour. The Jerusalem stone Mezuzah can be an ideal gift option for weddings and housewarming celebrations.
Glass Mezuzah
A glass Mezuzah makes up the perfect wedding gift for a couple. Most glass Mezuzah also includes gold lettering of the beautiful phrase in Hebrew. This Mezuzah may look delicate, but they are a pretty good gift option for Jewish people.
Modern Mezuzah
The modern Mezuzah has a minimalistic design, and they are inspired by the original Mezuzah from Israel. Thus, Modern Mezuzah will add a unique charm to your new home.
Outdoor Mezuzah
The outdoor Mezuzah is usually made up of materials like limestone, wood, and high-quality paper. The cover can be made up of different materials like plastic and metals. Choose an outdoor Mezuzah that can last for years.
Printable Mezuzah Scroll Text
The Mezuzah scroll texts are usually written in Hebrew. These days some people also go for the English version of the text. It is recommended to get the Mezuzah text written from a competent scribe. But, you can also get printable Mezuzah scroll text online.
Silver Mezuzah
The Silver Mezuzah are available in different designs and sizes. Silver is a common raw material in Judaica items. You can find silver Kiddush cup, silver Menbora, silver Knife (for Challa of Shabbat, etc…) so it can be one of the best traditional gifting options for a Jewish family for any occasion.
Personalized Mezuzah
You can also get personalized and handmade Mezuzah from many online platforms. The personalized Mezuzah can add a personal touch to the gift.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Mezuzah is a Hebrew word that means doorpost. The purpose of the Mezuzah is to fulfil the Biblical commandments. Placement of Mezuzah distinguishes a Jewish home from other kinds of homes. It is a sign and symbol that shows that Jewish commitments exist in the home.
Mezuzah is a Hebrew word that means doorpost in English. It is an important part of Jewish culture and tradition.
The Mezuzah scroll says that we are blessed, the Lord, the king of the universe that you have sanctioned us with blessings and commandments.
The reason for the slanted placement of Mezuzah is because of a historical reason. As per Historical references, Rashi and his grandson Rabbenu Tam were in disagreement whether the Mezuzah should place horizontally or vertically. Since they could not reach a conclusion about the placement of the Mezuzah, it was decided as per the Jewish law, that the Mezuzah will place slanted so that both views will respectthe Jewish community.
Yes, it is important to touch the Mezuzah when you are entering the door and when you are making an exit. This way, you will remind of the presence of God.
Since Mezuzah represents a special covenant between the Jewish and G-d, Non-Jewish people are not permitted to use Mezuzah. Since Mezuzah is an important sign and symbol for Jewish people, it is advisable to respect their culture, and thus, it should not be used by Non-Jewish people.
A Mezuzah scroll is a handmade parchment made from a Kosher animal and inscribed in black ink with a special quill pen. It is written by an especially trained scribe.
Mezuzah, in Jewish as well as in Hebrew, means the same, and it means a doorstep.
A car mezuzah is primarily a decorative decoration for cars. There is no obligation under Jewish law to put a mezuzah in a car or any means of transportation but there are those who believe that a mezuzah in a vehicle will protect them and always help them reach their object district safely. It can be placed inside the driver’s door, or it can be hanged on the car mirror.
Mezuzah in Judaism is a doorpost that is hung as per the ancient Judaism culture and traditions.
The Mezuzah contains a scroll that contains two verses from the Bible. The Mezuzah is then covered by a material that provides protection to the Mezuzah from wind, rain, and heat.
Mezuzah is a part of Judaism, and it is placed at every door of every Jewish home.
According the Jewish law, yes, women are allowed to hang the Mezuzah, but they are not allowed to write the Mezuzah.
Conclusion
We hope we have answered your question about what is Mezuzah and every information you need to know about Mezuzah. Mezuzah comes in different sizes and varieties, and if you are a Jewish person, it is important to have a Mezuzah on your door. Let us know if you want more details about Mezuzah.
