A mezuzah is a parchment scroll inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah that is placed in a case and attached to the doorposts of Jewish homes. The word “mezuzah” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “doorpost.” The primary passage written on the scroll comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and states:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)
This passage emphasizes theimportance of loving God and passing on the faith to the next generation. The mezuzah serves as a tangible reminder to obey God’s laws when coming and going from the home.
In addition to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the scroll also contains Deuteronomy 11:13-21, which reiterates the importance of obedience, promises blessings for following God’s laws, and serves as a reminder when entering and exiting the home.
History and Significance
The command to affix a mezuzah is found in Deuteronomy 6:9, which instructs God’s people to “Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” This instruction is repeated again in Deuteronomy 11:20. While these verses don’t specify precisely what this should look like, Jewish sages determined the mezuzah scroll fulfills this biblical commandment.
The tradition of placing mezuzahs on doorposts dates back thousands of years. Archeological evidence reveals the use of mezuzahs as early as the first century CE. By the Middle Ages, mezuzahs were widely used by Jewish communities. Affixing a mezuzah holds deep spiritual significance for Jews as it serves as a constant reminder of their faith every time they enter or exit their home.
Beyond fulfilling a biblical command, the mezuzah has taken on additional meaning over time. Many Jews touch or kiss the mezuzah when passing through a doorway as an expression of their faith. Some believe the mezuzah offers divine protection over the home. Stories abound of mezuzahs deflecting harm or warning inhabitants of danger. While the mezuzah itself holds no magical powers, its spiritual meaning provokes strong emotions among the faithful.
Requirements for the Mezuzah
The mezuzah must adhere to specific requirements according to Jewish law:
- The scroll must be handwritten on parchment by a qualified scribe known as a “sofer.” Printed scrolls are not acceptable.
- The parchment is prepared from the skin of a kosher animal.
- The scroll contains Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 written in black ink.
- The Hebrew verses are written with special quill pens by the scribe adhering to precise rules for forming each letter.
- The name of God, Shaddai, appears in the scroll to make 101 letters total.
- The scroll is rolled up from left to right and secured with thread or glue.
- The scroll is placed inside the tube-like case and affixed at a 45 degree angle slanting inward.
- The mezuzah must be inspected twice every 7 years, and faulty scrolls replaced.
These meticulous rules ensure each mezuzah meets the requirements of Jewish law. Since the mezuzah contains the name of God, the inscription and preparation of the scroll must follow exacting standards showing honor and respect. Only qualified scribes can properly produce kosher mezuzahs.
Where Mezuzahs are Placed
Mezuzahs are placed on the right side doorposts of a home’s entrances, following the instruction to write God’s word “on the doorframes of your houses.” This includes exterior doors, doors to living areas, and bedroom doors. However, they are not placed on entrances to bathrooms, closets, or storage spaces. There is debate about placement on kitchen doorways.
In addition, some may choose to place mezuzahs on entrances to their office or other buildings they frequent besides their home. At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, small mezuzah cases are embedded in the stones along the plaza. When passing through a doorway with a mezuzah, many Jews will touch or kiss their fingers to the scroll inside its case as a sign of reverence.
Specific rules govern the positioning of the mezuzah on the right doorpost. It is placed on the upper third of the doorpost within approximately one handbreadth of the lintel. The scroll is slanted inward towards the room rather than sitting vertically. If the doorway is wide, two mezuzahs will be placed on either side of the entrance. Mezuzahs contain the fundamental statement of Jewish faith and continual instructions for righteous living, making them important fixtures at entrances that are passed through frequently.
Prayers and Blessings
Special blessings and prayers accompany the mezuzah. When affixing a new mezuzah to the doorpost, the following blessing is recited:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.”
This expresses gratitude for the commandment and God’s provision to observe it. A blessing is also recited when replacing an existing mezuzah that has become unfit for use.
In addition, many Jews touch the mezuzah and recite a prayer when entering or exiting a doorway. Two common prayers are:
“The Lord protect and watch over my coming and going, now and forever. Amen.”
Or
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”
These prayers invoke God’s protection, blessings, and awareness of His presence in all of life’s routines. The mezuzah provides a way to continually rededicate oneself to loving God and obeying his commandments.
Variety of Designs
While the contents of the mezuzah scroll are standardized, the external case comes in a wide variety of designs from simple to ornate. Traditional mezuzah cases were made of wood, pewter, silver, stone, or glass. Today, a huge selection of materials and artistic styles are available to suit every taste – from wood, metal, and acrylic to stained glass, ceramic, and crystal.
Some designs incorporate Jewish symbols, Hebrew letters, or floral themes. Mezuzahs can be basic or elaborate, modern or traditional, colorful or subdued. Small ornamentation or text is sometimes included on the back of the case. Though styles vary, the protective case must be strong enough to guard the sacred scroll inside. For something that will be touched frequently, the case must be durable.
Many Jewish families and congregations gift special mezuzahs to mark significant life events like weddings, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, or a new home. The external design can reflect the personality and style of the recipients. But the contents of the mezuzah scroll inside remain the same for all.
Displaying Faith
For Jewish families, the mezuzah displays their faith commitment for all to see. When family, friends, and visitors enter their home, they are immediately confronted with this visible expression that this is a house of God. Christians likewise often display crosses, scripture plaques, or other religious symbols in their homes.
The mezuzah serves as a continual public declaration that this home belongs to and honors the Lord. Whenever the inhabitants go in or out, they physically touch this emblem of their faith. It connects their public and private worlds, integrating their worship of God into all aspects of daily routines.
Modern Application
The idea of displaying Bible verses at the entrance to one’s house can apply meaningfully for Christians today as well. While the religious requirements do not apply, the spirit behind posting God’s word visibly holds merit. Consider framing some impactful scripture about God’s blessings or commands and posting it near your home’s entryway.
Some good passages to consider would be:
- Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
- Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
- Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
- Deuteronomy 6:5-7 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
- Psalm 121:8 – “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Pick a verse or two that resonates most personally or for your family. Write it out attractively by hand or print and frame it. Then position it where it will be visible when you pass by the doorway. Let it serve as a meaningful statement of faith and devotion in your home.
Spiritual Reminders
God instructed the Israelites to keep his word constantly before them – to talk about it at home and along the road, to tie them to their hands and foreheads, and to write them on the doorframes. While they took this literally, we can apply the heart behind this today.
Consider creative ways to keep scripture before you constantly as visual reminders in your home. Some ideas include:
- Hanging a chalkboard or whiteboard with rotating Bible verses
- Sticky notes with meaningful words placed around the house
- Photo collages of inspirational passages and images
- Scripture placemats
- Verse plaques in high visibility areas
- Decorative wall art with inspirational quotes
- Refrigerator magnets with encouraging words
Get creative with ways to infuse your living space with expressions of truth. Let God’s words permeate your private world as a spiritual backdrop to daily life. Surround yourself intentionally with reminders of what matters most.
The mezuzah tradition offers inspiration for Christians to publicly display their devotion and find innovative ways to anchor their thoughts on God’s truth amidst the routines of home life. Let scripture permeate your dwelling as a visible foundation Stone of faith.
A Daily Ritual
For Jewish people, touching the mezuzah whenever they pass through a doorway is a ritual reminder to love God and obey his commands. This practice can inspire Christians to create their own rituals involving Scripture.
Consider choosing a meaningful Bible verse or passage and designating a specific time and location to recite it every day. For example, you could start each morning by reading Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” – while getting ready in the bathroom. Or recite Psalm 23 when sitting down to dinner with your family.
Connect the verse to a particular routine, location, or time of day as a habitual ritual. Let it ground you in God’s truth and presence in the midst of daily life. This regular discipline can install Scripture deep in your heart and mind over time. Simple, consistent spiritual practices reinforce biblical truths much like a mezuzah does in Jewish homes.
Lessons for Parents
A primary purpose of the mezuzah is to continually teach children God’s laws according to Deuteronomy 6:7 – “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.” For parents, the mezuzah tradition contains lessons about instilling faith at home.
First, it emphasizes the importance of regular spiritual practices with kids – like discussing the Bible together, praying as a family, and celebrating religious rituals in the home. Consistency and repetition are key.
Second, it provides creative inspiration for visible reminders. Parents can display age-appropriate versions of scripture art, wall hangings of Bible stories, or verse illustrations to surround children with God’s truth. Reinforcement through multiple senses imprints it deeper at young ages.
Third, parents serve as models for practices like touching the mezuzah when passing by. Children absorb attitudes about faith demonstrated through parents’ actions more than words. Quiet rituals observed day after day can deeply shape a child’s spiritual life.
May all parents find creative ways to impress God’s love and truth constantly upon their children within the rhythms of home and family life.
Conclusion
In summary, the mezuzah serves as a daily reminder for Jews to love God, obey His commands, and pass on their faith to future generations. This visible symbol on the doorpost instantiates their creed, “Hear O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is one.” While Christians are not under obligation to follow the legal requirements surrounding mezuzahs, we can learn much from the tradition’s spiritual intent.
May we all find inspiration from the mezuzah to display our devotion publicly, surround ourselves with God’s Word, craft meaningful rituals in our homes, and impress the truth constantly upon our children. By creatively integrating our faith with home and family life, following God’s commands becomes an outflow of who we are rather than just rules to follow.