Mezuzah


 * The Mezuzah**

In every observant Jewish home there is a mezuzah. A mezuzah is a small case made of silver, brass, ceramic, glass, or wood containing the "Shema Israel," meaning "Hear Israel." Jewish symbols and biblical scenes may also be present on the mezuzah. The Shema Israel is a passage from the Torah, Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21, commanding the Israelites to always have God on their minds and hearts.The scroll in the mezuzah is rolled up and placed in the mezuzah. This scroll has the name of God written on the outside with the first letter of the name visible on the upper exterior of the scroll. There are many different variations...

Below is the first letter of God's name on a mezuzah scroll. Below is the text of the mezuzah in Hebrew as it is in the mezuzah. It is always written, usually by a professional scribe. The mezuzah is then placed on the right side of the doorposts facing toward the room at an angle. Every room of the house besides the restroom and other unclean rooms must have a mezuzah. It could not be decided by rabbis whether the mezuzah should be affixed vertically or horizontally, so they compromised and it is therefore placed at its present angle..Sha-dai is written on the back of the mezuzah. Sha- dai is the name of God and is an acromym for the Hebrew words which mean "Guardian of the doorways of Israel." The mezuzah is placed on the doors of a home or office for protection. Those who pass through are protected whether inside or out of the room or building. This is generally good, but is the angle portion necessary?

The mezuzah is very important to the Jewish people. It is a constant reminder of God's presence and God's commandments. Good! For Jewish people it is a constant reminder of the obligation to obey God and His commandments. To show proper respect and devotion to God when passing a mezuzah a Jew kisses their fingers and then places their fingers on the mezuzah. Since respect and devotion to God is so important in Judaism mezuzahs are very important. If a Jewish family moves it is suggested that they take their mezuzahs with them because if they don't the new owners of the home may treat them with disrespect. Respect for mezuzahs is required because it is instructed in Deuteronomy 6:9.
 * Importance to the Faith**