Bringing Faith Home
The Mezuzah Puts Devotion At The Threshold

BY KARSEN PRICE

Affixing a mezuzah to the doorway of a home is a beautiful, ancient Jewish tradition, according to Jewish law, that symbolizes the household’s devotion to God. These decorative cases, specifically made to hold a passage of scripture from the Torah, come in a variety of materials and styles, from natural, unfinished wood to jewel-encrusted pieces of art.

Every mezuzah is marked with the Hebrew letter shin, which symbolizes the first letter of the word Shaddai, or Almighty. Sizes vary, but they typically measure about 5 inches long. Inside the narrow case rests a small parchment klaf, a scroll inscribed with two paragraphs outlining the basic tenets of Judaism. The verses, from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21, begin with the phrase, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

Although mezuzot can be placed on every doorpost in the house (with the exception of the bathroom and closets), many families use them only on the front door. Mezuzot are considered to be good luck, and they are frequently given as housewarming presents or wedding gifts.

Some Jews kiss the mezuzah upon entering and leaving the house, and even Christians have been known to observe the practice of hanging mezuzot on the doors of their houses, recognizing the beauty of keeping their faith close to home.