Feel at Home
You may have heard the quote: “Money can buy a house, but not a home.”
Have you ever wondered what is the most important part of a home? Is it the roof and exterior walls that provide shelter from outside elements? Or is it the interior design and aesthetics that impact the function and ambiance of the home? Perhaps it’s the furniture and appliances that enable us to enjoy the home itself?
While all these aspects serve important purposes, they do not define the true nature of a home. After all, one can find shelter or even enjoy quality hospitality and luxurious amenities while on vacation. Yet, of course, it still doesn’t feel the same as being in one’s own home.
A home is a place where our essence and inner core are revealed. It’s where we feel most comfortable expressing our inner feelings and desires. A home is where we truly feel we belong.
In Yiddish, we sometimes refer to that sentiment as "Heimish" (i.e., homey). A "Heimishe" person is someone with whom we feel familiar and comfortable spending time. You may have visited a Heimishe bakery or café that sells homemade-style challahs, babka, or chicken soup, where the owners know their customers by name.
While this is true for all homes, what is a unique about a Jewish home?
A Jewish home is a place where our Divine soul also feels at home. It’s a place where we feel connected to our Jewish identity and comfortable to express our mission and purpose in life.
In this week’s Torah portion, we learn about the mitzvah of affixing a mezuzah on our doors. As the verse states, “And you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:8).
By affixing a mezuzah to the doorposts of our homes, we affirm that everything we possess and all aspects of our lives are infused with a higher purpose and dedication to G-d. Placing the mezuzah on the doorposts of our home's entrance to the outdoors—in addition to all inner doorways—signals that the ideals and Divine consciousness inscribed on the mezuzah are meant to accompany us when we leave our homes as well.
Judaism teaches that the ultimate purpose of creation—both of the world in general and of each of us individually—is to make a home for G-d in this physical world.
Judaism is not confined to synagogues. We strive for spirituality and purpose, especially within the comfort and familiarity of our homes, as well as in public. The mezuzah on our doorpost reminds us of our connection to G‑d and our heritage, and that G‑d's protection and care are with us wherever we go.
Our homes and businesses should not merely be places where we live and work but should serve as sources of inspiration to carry out our Divine purpose and goals. By placing a mezuzah on our doors, and displaying other Jewish items like Torah books and a tzedakah (charity) box in our homes and workspaces, we constantly remind ourselves and our visitors of where our true priorities lie and what the purpose of our lives is.
Amid the recent unfortunate rise of overt expressions of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment, we may be tempted to be less conspicuous about our Jewish identity. However, history has proven time and again that surrendering to bigotry and compromising our values has never been a winning strategy.
Instead, now more than ever, our response must come from a place of strength and confidence by reconnecting with our Jewish identity through educating ourselves about our rich Jewish heritage and traditions and by proudly displaying our Judaism and observance of Mitzvot in public.
Let us respond to anti-Semitism by ensuring that our homes are secure with a Kosher Mezuzah and by assisting our Jewish friends and neighbors with obtaining their own Mezuzahs as well.
May our Mezuzot help protect our brave soldiers and we should merit the safe return of our hostages back home. We look forward to joining them in Israel, our true homeland, with the coming of Moshiach very soon!
