Jewish 101: Mezuzah

What Is a Mezuzah?

A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll inscribed with specific verses from the Torah, placed inside a decorative case and affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes. The word mezuzah literally means "doorpost" in Hebrew, but over time it came to refer to the sacred object itself.

The Commandment Behind It

The commandment to place a mezuzah comes directly from the Shema prayer in Deuteronomy 6 and 11:

The verses written on the parchment declare the oneness of God and the call to love him with all one's heart, soul, and strength. They also remind every entering or departing person to keep God's commandments ever before them.

How a Mezuzah Is Made and Placed

The scroll is handwritten by a trained scribe, a sofer, using special ink and script. Once completed, it is carefully rolled, placed in a protective case, and attached to the right side of the doorway, tilted slightly inward toward the home, symbolizing that God's presence enters and dwells there.

Yeshua and the Words of the Mezuzah

Yeshua himself affirms the same words found within the mezuzah. When asked which commandment is the greatest, he begins by quoting the Shema:

These are the very verses written on every mezuzah, reminding Israel to love God, to teach his ways to their children, to bind his words on their hands, and to write them on the doorposts of their homes.

The mezuzah serves as a daily reminder, at every threshold, of the greatest commandment and the enduring call to love and serve God with one's whole being.