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The Basics
A “Mezuzah” is a small parchment scroll, made from the skin of
a clean animal, affixed to the right doorpost of the entrance
to inhabitable rooms of Jewish homes.
The scroll contains the two passages of the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21)
which mention the commandment of Mezuzah: “You shall write them
upon the doorposts of your home and your gates”. These passages are the
first two portions of the “Shema” prayer, and affirm
God's existence and authority.
The text must be written in accordance
with all the Halakhic requirements, such as how the parchment must be
processed, how the letters must be formed, and many other details.
The parchment is generally rolled up and inserted into a case which
is affixed to the doorpost, one-third down, slanting inward.
A blessing is recited immediately prior to affixing the Mezuzah to
the doorpost: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe,
Who made us holy with His commandments, and commanded us to affix
the mezuzah.”
It is a widespread custom to touch the Mezuzah when entering or
leaving a building with one's hand, and then to kiss the hand.
The Mezuzah should be checked by a reliable scribe twice every 7
years.
The Torah commands us that we should perform acts which constantly
bind us to God. Thus, we should contemplate and discuss the Torah
“day and night”; we put on the Tefillin and wear Tzitzit, thus fastening
on physical reminders of God to our very bodies.
The commandment of
Mezuzah extends this concept to our dwelling: we proudly display
throughout our homes physical reminders that as we enter (and leave) our
homes, God is with us. And by so doing, we connect with the spiritual
energy of the Mezuzah, meriting God's protection over our homes and
over us.
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© Baal Shem Tov Foundation 2003-2005 |
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