MEZUZAH
An Interactive Document
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 INFORMATION
A 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 MEZUZAH
Before 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:
- On the right doorpost as one enters.
- In a slanted position with top pointed to inside of room.
- In the upper third of doorpost height (shoulder high).
- On outer 3.2 inches of doorpost width.
MEZUZAH INFORMATION AND SERVICE
If 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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