The mezuzah: Jewish law, history, and contemporary practice

Mezuzah in Jewish Culture

The mezuzah (Hebrew for "doorpost") is a traditional symbol of Judaism. It is a small container usually approximately one inch to several inches long and less than an inch wide. The mezuzah is usually affixed to the right doorpost of the front door of Jewish homes and apartments. Typically, it is positioned at an angle and it is belief that this represents a compromise between Rabbis centuries ago who could not decide whether the mezuzah should be mounted vertically or horizontally.

History and Significance

Contrary to common belief, the mezuzah actually is not symbolic of the famous Passover incident in Ancient Egypt when Jews painted calves' blood on their doorways so that God would recognize their homes and spare them from the plagues imposed on the Egyptians to pressure the release of Jewish slaves in Egypt. The inspiration for the mezuzah is actually one of the two biblical passages that are contained within the mezuzah. According to Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:19, God commanded the Jews to keep his words in their minds at all time and to write them on the doorposts on their homes. It is Deuteronomy 6:4-9, a passage known as the "Shema" (Hebrew for the commandment "Listen") after the first words of the passage, "Hear O. Israel…" part of which contains the specific instruction to affix God's words to the doorpost.

Common Contemporary Use

Generally, orthodox and other very observant Jews also affix a mezuzah on the inner doorframes of the rooms and hallways of their homes except for bathrooms and closets. Conservative Jews may either place a mezuzah on all of their rooms or only on the main entrance to the home. Reform Jews may or may not place a mezuzah on their homes and typically, only on the main entrance if they choose to do so at all. Orthodox and other more observant Jews usually touch the mezuzah upon entering or leaving any doorway on which a mezuzah is affixed and will also kiss their fingertips immediately after doing so.

Among orthodox and observant Jews, the attachment of the mezuzah is performed in conjunction with a short informal ceremony called "Chanukkat Ha-Bayit ("blessing of the house"). During that ceremony, the following blessing is read in Hebrew:

"Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah."

The mezuzah is treated as a sacred religious object, mainly because it contains the name of God. Therefore, the mezuzah is removed from the door before repainting so that it is not covered up and Jews are careful to remove it from any homes they vacate to prevent the possibility that the mezuzah might be desecrated after their departure.

Reference

Margolis, M.L. And Marx, a. (1970). History of the Jewish People. Philadelphia, PA:

JPSA.