The Mezuzah

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What is the Mezuzah?

The Mezuzah is a small parchment scroll, which has two portions of

the Torah written on it by hand.

The mezuzah is placed into a

metal case to protect it

The two the parts of

the Torah found in the mezuzah are:

The Shema – most important

The Vehaya

These are both from the Book of

Deuteronomy

Where is the Mezuzah placed?

The Mezuzah is placed on the

right hand doorposts of all the rooms in a Jewish home – except the toilet

The Mezuzah should be placed at

shoulder height in a slightly slanted position so that the top is pointing into

the room

Before the Mezuzah is fastened

onto the door, a Hebrew blessing is spoken

The Mezuzah should be checked

at least twice every seven years in case it had been damaged in any way

Jewish people touch the Mezuzah

as they enter a Jewish home

The mezuzah case is usually

made of metal, and is decorated with Jewish symbols such as the Star of David,

menorah or Ten Commandments and the three Hebrew letters which made up the word

Shaddai (God)

Why do Jews put a

mezuzah on their door posts?

In the Torah, God commands the

Jewish people to hang a mezuzah on their doorposts

The Shema reminds Jews that God

is always present and they should keep God’s words constantly in their minds

and hearts

The mezuzah is seen to bring

long life and protection for the members of the home