About
What is a Mezuzah:
Mezuzah, literally translated as doorpost, is a small parchment scroll affixed on the doorposts of Jewish homes and businesses. It contains the hebrew words of the Shema, expertly handwritten by a scribe with ink and quill.
The mezuzah helps remind us of our heritage and our connection to Gd by marking our house as a place where Gd can call home. While we may not install a Mezuzah everyday, it shapes and frames our everyday life. It transforms our house into a home, creating an enclave of holiness and spirituality, dedicated to meaning, purpose and tradition.
Mezuzah Maintenance:
It is customary to have mezuzahs checked twice every seven years, or even every year, prior to the High Holidays. Even if the mezuzah was previously found to be kosher, there is always room for human error, and new cracks and other problems can appear with time. Of course, this checking must be done by an expert scribe.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, would often urge people who encountered health challenges or other difficulties to have their mezuzahs (and tefillin) checked to make sure that every scroll was in good shape and properly placed on the doorpost.
The Power of a Mezuzah
A Mezuzah serves as protection for the inhabitants of one’s home. The Talmud recounts the story of Onkelos, who upon converting to Judaisim and settling in Jerusalem, expounded on his life choice to Roman legionnaires tasked with bringing him back to Rome. As he left his home, he kissed the Mezuzah. When asked for the reason for his singular act, he explained that a mortal king has servants standing outside his house on guard. The King of Kings, however, is Himself guarding His servants outside their homes. These words made such a profound impression on the legionnaires that they too converted to Judaism.
The Kabalah explains that the word Mezuzos is a combination of the words ‘zaz’ and ‘maves’ which mean literally: “Death: Remove thyself.”
The Mezuzah provides both spiritual and physical protection, symbolizing
In these precarious times, we are all searching for ways to increase the safety and security of ourselves and loved ones. The ultimate antidote to tragedy and uncertainty is the Mezuzah. A symbol of the Divine presence and protection, it is our response to the current climate. Affix or gift a Mezuzah to help spread its message of security and protection.
Project Protect has been made possible by the generosity of ---. Project Protect is an initiative of Mitzvah Society. Learn more about Mitzvah Society at mitzvahsociety.org
Participate in Project Protect in any of these three ways:
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Purchase a Mezuzah for your home (or any doorway within), and affix it with a blessing!
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Check the Mezuzos of your home for any mistakes or wear and tear that may have impacted their status!
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Share the beauty of a Mezuzah with others and gift a Mezuzah to someone who can benefit!