What is a mezuzah?
A mezuzah mounted on the doorpost designates the home as Jewish, reminding us of our connection to G‑d and to our heritage.
A mezuzah is not, contrary to popular belief, the outer container. The mezuzah is actually the parchment scroll within, on which the "Shema" -- a biblical passage declaring the oneness of G‑d -- is handwritten by an expert scribe.
The mezuzah is also a symbol of G‑d's watchful care over the home. The name of G‑d, Sha-dai, which appears on the reverse side of the parchment, is an acronym for the Hebrew words which mean "Guardian of the doorways of Israel." The placing of a mezuzah on the doors of a home or office protects the inhabitants -- whether they are inside or outside. |
