This week, Rabbi David Woznica reflects on the meaning and importance of a specific mitzvah: the mezuzah.
The Mezuzah: What’s on the Parchment?
Contrary to common thought, the mezuzah is not the case affixed to the doorpost. The mezuzah is the scroll of parchment found inside. The scroll is typically rolled and placed in a case. On the parchment are two handwritten Biblical passages: “Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One…” (Deuteronomy 6:4-6-9) and “And if you will carefully obey my commandments…” (Deuteronomy 11:13-21).
The mezuzah affirms our commitment to God and to observing God’s commandments. In addition, for many Jews, a mezuzah serves as a public statement: “This is a Jewish home.”
Some see the mezuzah as a way of bringing “good luck.” If you are among them, you’ll find Maimonides’ perspective both challenging and of interest.
Read tomorrow’s Daily Kavanah for more on Maimonides’ teachings regarding the mezuzah.
— Rabbi David Woznica | [email protected]