What is the Mezuzah?

Today’s question is as follows:

What is a Mezuzah? What does it contain and where do we put them?

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you on this one, I have no idea why this one has just appeared in WordPress drafts for!

A mezuzah is a small box or case that contains a scroll with a prayer from the Torah, specifically Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. It is traditionally affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes as a reminder of the commandments and to fulfil the commandment from Deuteronomy 6:9 “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

The mezuzah is placed on the right side of the doorpost, at the top, at an angle and when entering the room, one touches the mezuzah with their fingers, and recites the blessing “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix the mezuzah.”

Mezuzahs are also put on other doorways in Jewish homes, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and on the entrance of the Synagogue.

It is an important symbol of Jewish identity and commitment to God’s commandments and serves as a reminder to the inhabitants of the home to live according to the principles of the Torah.

Reference Me

Kyle ben Avraham Avinu (קייל בן אברהם אבינו) (2020) What is the Mezuzah?. [online] Ask a Jew. Available at: https://askajew.co.uk/question/what-is-the-mezuzah/ [Accessed 07 Dec 2024]