Contemporary Judaica

In Hebrew mezuzah means ‘doorpost’. It is customary to affix to the right side doorframe of the Jewish home to fulfil the mitzvah (commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema ‘on the doorposts of your house’.

The mezuzah contains a piece of parchment inside a decorative case inscribed with two Hebrew verses from the Torah, Deuteronomy. Both passages contains words from the Shema which remind Jews to keep His word constantly on their mind and in their hearts . ‘Shema Israel’ literally means ‘Listen Israel’. ‘And you should inscribe these words upon the doorposts of your house and at your gates’. This should act as a constant reminder of God’s presence and God’s commandments as Jews enter their homes.

On the back of the scroll, a name of God is written (Shaddai). The scroll is then rolled so that the first letter of the Name (the letter Shin) is visible (or, more commonly, the letter Shin is written on the on the upper exterior of the case).

Jewish law requires a mezuzah on every doorway in the home (apart from bathrooms) but most only place one in the front doorway.

The parchment or scroll must be written in black indelible ink, with a special quill pen, by a qualified scribe. This parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case.