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| The Mezuzah By Rabbi Esther Boucher |
The mezuzah plays a symbolic role as a protector to remind us to follow
the commandments of G-d.
It is a biblical commandment to place a mezuzah on each doorway
according to Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:20, “Inscribe them on the doorpost
of your house and on your gates.”
The mezuzah is a piece of parchment on which the first paragraphs of
the Shema are written (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21). The parchment
is rolled up and inserted into a tube usually of wood or metal, but it can
also be of other material. The mezuzah is fixed onto the front
doorposts, on the right hand side, a third of the way down from the
lintel. One consistent feature of every mezuzah is the Hebrew letter
“shin.” Shin is the abbreviation of G-d’s name, Shaddai. Sometimes
the complete word of Shnin, Daled, Yod is spelled out and stands for
“Shomer D’latot Yisrael,” the guardian of the gates of Israel.
In the Shema, the word mezuzah also means doorpost. Affixing the
mezuzah to all doors in the house except the bathrooms is a positive
commandment. The mezuzah is put up only in permanent houses by the
owner or person renting the home.
Before affixing the mezuzah the following blessing is given: Baruch Ata
Adonai Eloheinu Melech Haolam asher Kidshanu b’mizvotav v’zivanu al
Kviat mezuzah.
Which translates, Blessed are You, O L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to
affix a mezuzah.
The mezuzah is fixed slanting to the left, representing the movement
of a man’s shoulders and arms as he walks. The rite of the mezuzah is
an invitation to perpetual motion or the idea of being “on the way.”
The Scriptures encourage us to be thought in motion, to think while
walking and following G-d’s truth. This is one of the meanings of the
verse, “And you shall teach them diligently… and when you walk by the
way.” Deut. 6-7.
Having a mezuzah on your door, touching it and then touching your lips,
will remind you to keep the Word of G-d on your lips as you enter and
leave your home.
When moving to a new home, leave your mezuzot (plural) for the new
family if they are believers. If not, take the mezuzot with you.
May the L-rd bless your comings and goings.
the commandments of G-d.
It is a biblical commandment to place a mezuzah on each doorway
according to Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:20, “Inscribe them on the doorpost
of your house and on your gates.”
The mezuzah is a piece of parchment on which the first paragraphs of
the Shema are written (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21). The parchment
is rolled up and inserted into a tube usually of wood or metal, but it can
also be of other material. The mezuzah is fixed onto the front
doorposts, on the right hand side, a third of the way down from the
lintel. One consistent feature of every mezuzah is the Hebrew letter
“shin.” Shin is the abbreviation of G-d’s name, Shaddai. Sometimes
the complete word of Shnin, Daled, Yod is spelled out and stands for
“Shomer D’latot Yisrael,” the guardian of the gates of Israel.
In the Shema, the word mezuzah also means doorpost. Affixing the
mezuzah to all doors in the house except the bathrooms is a positive
commandment. The mezuzah is put up only in permanent houses by the
owner or person renting the home.
Before affixing the mezuzah the following blessing is given: Baruch Ata
Adonai Eloheinu Melech Haolam asher Kidshanu b’mizvotav v’zivanu al
Kviat mezuzah.
Which translates, Blessed are You, O L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to
affix a mezuzah.
The mezuzah is fixed slanting to the left, representing the movement
of a man’s shoulders and arms as he walks. The rite of the mezuzah is
an invitation to perpetual motion or the idea of being “on the way.”
The Scriptures encourage us to be thought in motion, to think while
walking and following G-d’s truth. This is one of the meanings of the
verse, “And you shall teach them diligently… and when you walk by the
way.” Deut. 6-7.
Having a mezuzah on your door, touching it and then touching your lips,
will remind you to keep the Word of G-d on your lips as you enter and
leave your home.
When moving to a new home, leave your mezuzot (plural) for the new
family if they are believers. If not, take the mezuzot with you.
May the L-rd bless your comings and goings.
| Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. © Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007 |