What is a mezuzah and what does it symbolize?

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.

Why do Jews put up 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).

What is the tradition of the mezuzah?

mezuzah, also spelled Mezuza (Hebrew: “doorpost”), plural Mezuzoth, Mezuzot, Mezuzahs, or Mezuzas, small folded or rolled parchment inscribed by a qualified calligraphist with scriptural verses (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13–21) to remind Jews of their obligations toward God.

Do you kiss the mezuzah before or after you touch it?

It is customary for religious Jews to touch the mezuzah every time they pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it. However, kissing the mezuzah has also become customary for many secular Jews who think of the mezuzah as a good luck charm.

What do you say when you touch 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.

What is the English word for mezuzah?

Word Origin for mezuzah from Hebrew, literally: doorpost.

Is it OK to open a mezuzah?

The mezuzah case should have an opening through which the word shaddai is visible. If the casing is made of a material that does not allow for a window, such as stone, then some feel the word shaddai, or the Hebrew letter shin must appear on the face of the mezuzah.

What is mezuzah?

one accepted understanding derives mezuzah from the root z-u-z (ז-ו-ז ‎) meaning ‘motion’ or ‘shift’ (verb zaz (זָז ‎) ‘to move, deviate, shift’), describing a doorpost as the device enabling the door to move or shift.

What is the ceremony for affixing a mezuzah?

The ceremony begins with a blessing: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu likboa m’zuzah. “Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has sanctified us through Your mitzvot and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.”

When should I put up my mezuzah?

The mezuzah should be put up as soon as possible after moving in, and not later than thirty days. A temporary residence, that is, a place we reside in for less than thirty days, doesn’t require a mezuzah; nor does an office or place of business. A dormitory room, which a student considers a home away from home, should have a mezuzah.

Where are the laws of mezuzah in the Talmud?

Surprisingly, there is no tractate in the Talmud devoted to the laws of the mezuzah . Instead, the laws of mezuzah —along with the laws of tzitzit and tefillin —can be found in Tractate Menachot, the section that discusses the flour offerings brought in the Holy Temple.