The Ultimate Security
There is a fascinating story recounted in the Jerusalem Talmud: “The last Parthian king Artavan once sent a gift of a very precious pearl to Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi, asking to be sent something of equal value in return. Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi sent a mezuzah in return. When the king received the mezuzah he was dumbfounded that Rabbi Yehudah could consider this little piece of parchment as an equivalent to the precious pearl. He expressed his sentiments in no uncertain terms. Thereupon Rabbi Yehudah explained to the king that they had different sets of values, hence the king’s amazement. He went on to say that whereas the king’s gift was something that he, Rabbi Yehudah, would constantly have to guard against theft, etc., his own gift to the king was something that would guard over the king and protect him.”
The Mitzvah of Mezuzah is mentioned in this week’s Torah portion Vaetchanana, “And you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates (Deuteronomy 6:8)”. A Mezuzah can be found on the doorpost of Jewish owned homes, businesses and buildings across the globe. More than just serving as a symbolic Jewish sign, a Mezuzah provides both spiritual and physical protection for its inhabitants.
It is mounted on the right side of the doorpost and designates the home as Jewish, reminding us of G‑d and our heritage. It is also a symbol of G‑d's watchful care over the home. The placing of a mezuzah on the doors of a home or office protects the inhabitants — whether they are inside or outside.
By affixing a mezuzah—a parchment inscribed with the passages of Shema—to the doorposts of our homes, we affirm that everything we possess and all aspects of our lives are infused with a dedication to G-d. Affixing the mezuzah to the doorpost of the home’s entrance—in addition to the doorposts of all inner doorways—is an affirmation that the ideals and Divine consciousness inscribed on the mezuzah are meant to accompany us when we leave our homes, as well. Judaism is not confined to synagogues. We strive for spirituality even within the comfort and familiarity of our own homes.
The Midrash teaches that the purpose of the creation of the world is for mankind to make a home for G-d in this world by doing acts of goodness and kindness. By affixing a Mezuzah on our homes, we are doing our part to reveal G-d’s presence in this world and usher in the ultimate redemption when the whole world will be transformed into a home for G-d. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord- as the water covers the seabed.” - Habakkuk 2
Please see below for a few important details and facts regarding the Mezuzah. To request a Kosher Mezuzah for a home or office, please contact us so we can be of assistance.
Mezuzah: (Lit. “doorpost”): A small parchment scroll upon which the Hebrew words of the Shema are handwritten by a scribe. Mezuzah scrolls are rolled up and affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes, designating the home as Jewish and reminding those who live there of their connection to G‑d and their heritage.
The decorative case containing the mezuzah scroll is just that: a mere container. What’s important is the scroll, upon which the first two sections of the Shema are handwritten, beginning with the eternal words “Hear o Israel, the L‑rd is our G‑d, the L‑rd is One.” These selections both contain G‑d’s instruction to affix the mezuzah: “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” These words are handwritten by an expert scribe.
Every single letter in the mezuzah must be properly formed. A single crack in the parchment or any omission can invalidate the entire scroll. A printed mezuzah is invalid. For this reason it is vital that it be purchased from a reputable scribe or retailer.
Our sages teach that a mezuzah has the unique property of protecting the inhabitants of the home where it is hung—whether the inhabitants are inside or outside that home. The mezuzah can be compared to a “helmet,” a veneer that protects us against the dangers that surround us in our lives.
Mezuzahs should be checked by a certified scribe twice every seven years to see if they have been affected by adverse weather conditions, or by folding (which can cause cracks in the letters), or if any other defects have occurred. Some check their Mezuzot every year.
G‑d promises that anyone who carefully observes the mitzvah of mezuzah will lead a longer, richer life, as will their descendants, as Deuteronomy states, “So that you will prolong your days and the days of your children.”
