A mezuzah (Hebrew: מְזוּזָה "doorpost"; plural: מְזוּזוֹת ‎ mezuzot) is a piece of parchment inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah, which Jews affix in a small case to the doorposts of their homes. [1]

The mezuzah is the hallmark of the Jewish home, demonstrating that it leads to a Jewish household. When a Jewish family affixes a mezuzah on their permanent residence they are forming another link in Jewish history and continuing a tradition that goes back to Biblical times.

A mezuzah serves two functions: Every time you enter or leave, the mezuzah reminds you that you have a covenant with God; second, the mezuzah serves as a symbol to everyone else that this particular dwelling is constituted as a Jewish household, operating by a special set of rules, rituals, and beliefs.

What is a mezuzah? The Hebrew word mezuzah means “doorpost.” According to tradition, the mezuzah is to be affixed to the doorpost at the entrance to a Jewish home as well as at the entrance to each of the interior rooms except for bathrooms.

Jun 25, 2019 · Many people recognize the mezuzah as an easy identifier of a Jewish home. Understand where the commandment of mounting the mezuzah comes from and how you can affix your very own at home. Written on the parchment are 713 words from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21, which is more commonly known as the Shema and Vayaha, respectively.

In Ashkenazic tradition, the mezuzah is placed at a slight angle, with the top of the mezuzah pointing toward the inside of the room and the bottom pointing toward the outside. In Sephardic communities, however, the mezuzah is affixed vertically.

A mezuzah is a small box that is placed on the right doorpost of Jewish homes. Inside the box is a parchment scroll with verses from the Torah inscribed on it, including the Shema prayer (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21).

On the doorposts of Jewish homes a passerby can likely find a small casing like the one pictured at right. This ornament is known as a mezuzah (Hebrew, "doorpost") because it is placed upon the doorposts of the house.

The proper place for the Mezuzah is at the bottom of the top third of the doorway. In other words, measure the height of the doorway and divide by three; then align the bottom of the Mezuzah with the point two-thirds of the way up the doorpost (see illustration).

By placing a mezuzah on the doorpost, Jewish families are essentially signing a contract with God. It’s a declaration that this home follows His commandments. The doorpost is significant because it’s a threshold—a transition between the chaotic outside world …