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What is a mezuzah and how is it used?

What is a mezuzah and how is it used?

The mezuzah can be found on the door frames of many Jewish homes. The mezuzah is a piece of parchment scroll with the Shema prayer inscribed on it which is kept in a small case. The Shema prayer is important to Jews because the words describe God asking Jews to remember his commands in both their heads and hearts.

What do you say when you touch a mezuzah?

The first verse written on the mezuzah is the Shema, the most important prayer in Judaism, which says, “Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” When observant Jews pass a doorpost that holds a mezuzah, they touch the mezuzah (or the box that holds the scroll) and remember that God is One.

Why is a mezuzah hung at an angle?

This is done to accommodate the variant opinions of the medieval Rabbis Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam as to whether it should be placed horizontally or vertically, and also to imply that God and the Torah (which the mezuzah symbolizes) are entering the room.

Why do we hang a mezuzah?

In mainstream Rabbinic Judaism, a mezuzah is affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to “write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house” (Deuteronomy 6:9).

Can you put up a mezuzah at night?

Mezuzah is also one of the only mitzvos that can be observed constantly, even while sleeping. Others disagree with the notion that a mezuzah cannot be affixed with protection as the motivation since this is not the actual reward for fulfilling the mitzvah but a side (and natural) benefit.

Why do you touch a mezuzah?

Whenever passing through the doorway, many people touch a finger to the mezuzah as a way of showing respect to God. Many people also kiss their finger after touching it to the mezuzah. When affixing several mezuzot, it is sufficient to recite the blessing once, before affixing the first one.

What is written on a mezuzah?

The blessing said while hanging a mezuzah: Transliteration: Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam, asher keedishanu b’meetzvotav v’tzeevanu leek’boa mezuzah. Translation: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with God’s commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

Do you kiss the mezuzah?

A mezuzah is a small case affixed to the doorframe of each room in Jewish homes and workplaces which contains a tiny scroll of parchment inscribed with a prayer. It is customary for religious Jews to touch the mezuzah every time they pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it.

What is the purpose of a mezuzah in Judaism?

A mezuzah is a beautiful and special Jewish object used to mark the doorposts of Jewish homes.

What can you make a mezuzah case out of?

The Case Can Be Made Out of Anything A mezuzah case is used to protect the parchment, but is not halachically required. As such, the case may be made out of just about anything, although more common materials include metal, wood, ceramic, or plastic.

When do you recite the Mezuzah at home?

Impress them upon your children. Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead; inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

How is the mezuzah attached to the door?

After the blessing is recited, the mezuzah is attached to the doorpost with nails, glue, or screws, on the right side of the door as one enters the room. Position the mezuzah about a third of the way down from the top of the doorpost.

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