The Mezuzah refers to the case for a small parchment scroll containing two paragraphs from the Torah which constitute the ancient core of Jewish daily prayer. Placed on the doorframes of Jewish home as a reminder of how one must behave, according to God's laws, when entering and leaving the home, it is also a symbol of loyalty to the Jewish people.The Mezuzah is affixed on the door post, at the right hand as you enter, in the upper third of its height. When doors are extraordinarily high, then the Mezuzah is to be affixed at the level of a man's shoulder. The Mezuzah is affixed in an inclined position, the upper part pointing towards the entrance. |
MEZUZAHAn Interactive Document
(Based upon a pamphlet originaly published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization)The "Mezuzah" signifies the sanctity and blessing of the Jewish home. Actually, it is a portion of Holy Torah, inscribed in the same manner and script as a Torah. It is an "original" sanctified document in accord with halacha and precepts that dare not be compromised. On this sacred scroll of parchment are inscribed two passages from Torah, "Shema Yisroel" and "Vehaya" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). It is customary, upon entering or leaving a residence, to touch the Mezuzah. This reverence acknowledges our belief in the "Shema Yisroel," the Jewish declaration of faith, which expresses the unity of G-d, the duty of loving and serving Him with our whole being, and our obligation to observe the mitzvot in and out of the home. Because it presents basic principles of our faith, the Mezuzah is our responsibility to visitors as well as to ourselves. When a Mezuzah is possul, its blessings are nullified. Even if one letter or part of a letter is missing or imperfect, the Mezuzah may not be used. Only a "Kosher" Mezuzah sanctifies and protects the home, as well as fulfills the saying of the Psalmist, "G-d will guard your going and coming from now and for all time."Psalms 121,8 That is why when you purchase a Mezuzah for yourself or make it a gift to a relative or friend, you are obligated to assure its validity. Be certain that it is handwritten and that you obtain it from a reliable source.
MEZUZAH INFORMATIONA Mezuzah should be affixed to the doorpost of each room in the home and place of business (including basement, attic and garage). A Mezuzah should never be placed at the entrance to a bathroom. Inspection: Each Mezuzah must be examined by a reliable scribe, at least twice every seven years. Temperature and weather changes, as well as age, may cause the ink to fade and crack, thereby invalidating the Mezuzah. A Mezuzah should also be checked at the time of purchase.
PROCEDURE FOR AFFIXING A MEZUZAHBefore affixing a Mezuzah to a doorpost, the following Bracha should be recited:
If more than one Mezuzah is being affixed at one time, only one blessing is recited. When affixing a Mezuzah to an archway, no blessing is recited. The Mezuzah is affixed:
MEZUZAH INFORMATION AND SERVICEIf you need any additional information, or would like help or advice in obtaining a Mezuzah, please call or write us. You can also arrange through us to check your Mezuzot. LUBAVITCH YOUTH ORGANIZATION MEZUZAH INFORMATION 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213 Area Code 718 778-4270 774-1780
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