The Jewish Doorpost
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The Jewish Doorpost |
Mezuzah A mezuzah is a container made of
metal or of wood which contains a
parchment scroll containing words derived from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-24,
handwritten by a scribe or sofer. The verse “…and you shall inscribe
these words upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates” refer to
“Shema Yisroel Adonay Elohaynu Adonay Echod.” Hear, Israel, the Lord
Our God is One” and “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your
might.” Mezuzahs are found in every Jewish
home and business establishment. They are placed on the right side doorpost as
one enters the house or room. The mezuzah
is placed shoulder high at a slant with the top pointing to the inside of the
house. On the back of the mezuzah is the
name of God using the Hebrew letters Shin, Daled Yood, meaning “Guardian of
the doors of Israel.” The word mezuzah means doorpost. One of the chapters of the Talmud
is called “Mezuzah” because it deals with the manner in which the mezuzah is
to be written and used. Some people believe that the
mezuzah is an amulet which protects all inhabitants of a house from all evil.
Others view this belief as a superstition among ignorant people. This dispute was tested in Germany
during the Nazi era, when Jewish homes were easily identified by the mezuzah at
the door. The mezuzah is undoubtedly a
reminder that one enters a Jewish home and that belief in one God is the very
foundation of Judaism. Shalom u’vracha. Dr. Gerhard Falk is the author of numerous publications, including The German Jews in America (2014). |
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