Mezuzah Cases for Sale including: Parchment, Wood Mezuzah,Glass Mezuzah,Silver Mezuzah, Children Mezuzah
What is a Mezuzah? First, let’s talk about the mezuzah definition. The word “mezuzah” in Hebrew literally means “doorpost.” Contrary to popular belief, the mezuzah is not the outer case, but the mezuzah scroll inside containing the text of the most famous Jewish prayer, the Shema. It is hand-written by an expert scribe known as a “sofer stam,” someone who is exceedingly well trained in writing this kosher scroll. The mezuzah parchment contains two different passages from the book of Deuteronomy, both affirming the oneness of our G-d (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Deuteronomy 11:13-21).. The Jewish mezuzah is one of several visual and tactile reminders of the presence of G-d in our lives. On one side of the mezuzah scroll, the sofer writes the Shema. On the reverse side is written, “Sha-dai”. Shaddai is one of the 72 names of G-d, and an acronym. The Hebrew words “Shomer Deletot Yisrael”, of which Shaddai is an acronym, literally translates to “Guardians of the Doorways of Israel.” Mezuzah cases come in a variety of designs and materials, from simple to ornate. The mezuzah prayer is said in the act of mounting the mezuzot on doorposts.
What is the meaning of a Jewish mezuzah?
When talking about the mezuzah meaning, one needs to understand that a mezuzah consists of two parts: a mezuzah case with a mezuzah scroll inside. It is mounted on a doorpost, signifying that the home (or office!) is Jewish. It reminds us of our connection to G-d, as well as to our heritage. Mezuzot are symbols before our eyes of G-d’s attentive care over our homes. Each mezuzah is a fulfillment of the biblical commandments to “inscribe these words on your doorposts and on your gates.” In fact, G-d promises to us that anyone observing this mitzvah of mezuzah will lead richer, longer, healthier lives. So too will your children, and their children, and so forth! We observe this mitzvah “so that you will prolong your days and the days of your children...” according to Deuteronomy 11:21. The mezuzah is a constant reminder of G-d’s presence in our lives, inside or outside the home.
How to hang a mezuzah, and the mezuzah prayer!
Let’s go over mezuzah placement, starting with where you should not hang the mezuzah. It should not be hung on a doorway leading into a bathroom, a shower room, or a similar room. It should not be hung on any Jewish holidays where work is prohibited, or Shabbat.
Outside of Israel, the mezuzahs should be affixed within the first thirty days if renting, or immediately if you purchased the home or office space. As mezuzot are meant to be permanent fixtures to properly fulfill the commandment, it is best to affix them with nails or screws. The mezuzah should be hung at the bottom of the top third of a standard doorway. It is best to measure and divide the doorway into three for this. If the doorway is unusually tall, the mezuzah should be placed at shoulder height. The top of the mezuzah should point toward the inside of the room, with the bottom pointing toward the outside. If you are hanging more than one mezuzah, recite the mezuzah blessing only before hanging the first mezuzah. Before affixing the first mezuzah, you hold it in place where you are nailing it down and recite the blessing:
“Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Haolam Asher Kideshanu Bemitzvotav Vitzivanu Likboa Mezuzah.” This means, “Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.”
The slanting of the mezuzah, it should be noted, is an Ashkenazi tradition. Most non-Ashkenazi Jews do not tilt the mezuzah, and instead hang it fully vertical on the doorpost. This is a difference in traditions based on interpretations of our sages. Also, it is traditional when passing through a doorway with a mezuzah to either recite the blessing above, or to simply kiss our fingers then touch the mezuzah.
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