According to our tradition, Shavuot—which we celebrated on Sunday—is the day on which God gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mt. Sinai. Shavuot also marks the barley harvest and the harvest of the first fruits. This week I will share thoughts on four verses in the Torah which impact my life.
The Mezuzah
“And you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:9)
Mezuzah means “doorpost” in Hebrew. It is one of the ways we define a Jewish home. Mezuzot are handwritten by a scribe with custom ink and quill on the parchment of a kosher animal. It contains the words of the Shema and on the reverse side the scribe writes “Shaddai,” one of the names by which God is called in the Torah. The case surrounding the mezuzah exists for the sole reason of protecting the parchment. It should be affixed to the right side of the doorpost (as you enter) just at the upper third of the doorway. The Ashkenazim (Jews originating from Central/Eastern Europe) place it slanted with the top facing inward. The Sephardim (Jews tracing back to countries like Spain and Portugal) affix it vertically.
The Zohar (the principal book of Kabbalah) teaches that God will protect such a home and those who live there. Jews often touch the mezuzah when going through the doorway and then kiss their hand. It can be a way of reminding us of our faith and a symbol of God’s watching over us.
I would add it is a reminder that our homes are sacred places and that we should act in ways that are in accordance with our tradition. The mezuzah should also remind us to live by such ideals when we leave our homes as well.
The mezuzah is a beautiful statement of God, our faith and our values. Every time we walk through the doorway into our homes, I hope we are reminded of the obligation and the privilege of living a Jewish life.
Rabbi David Woznica
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