International Judaica Blog

Everything you wanted to know about judaica gifts…Like Blessing gifts, Challah Board, Kiddush Cups, Mezuzahs and all of that in our:

Welcome Home! All About the Mezuzah

If you ever wondered what’s that weird rectangle-ish box your neighbor has on the front door, well, wonder no more—it’s a Mezuzah!

So what is a Mezuzah, why it gets smooched by people going in and out, and what is the meaning behind all of this?

Huh, that’s exactly why International Judaica Blog is here for.

A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll that is made from the skin of a clean animal or parchment rolled into scroll. The scroll contains two passages from Deuteronomy: 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 which make up the first two portions of the “Shema” prayer. The text is hand-written by a qualified scribe (or “sofer stam”) written in black indelible ink using a special quill pen. The mezuzah must be written in accordance with all the Halakhic requirements, which describes in detail how the parchment must be processed, how the letters must be formed, and many other details.

The scroll is then placed inside a decorated case and nailed or affixed to the right doorpost of an entrance to a Jewish home. One widespread custom to touch the Mezuzah when entering or leaving a building with one’s hand, and then to kiss the hand afterwards. The Mezuzah should be checked by a reliable scribe twice every seven years.

Mezuzah cases are available in many different sizes and materails ranging from brass and copper to glass, Jerusalem stone, silver, and aluminum. Children’s mezuzahs are available with fun and colorful bible scenes, sports themes, animals, and more.

Mezuzahs make a great blessing gift as a housewarming gift, celebration present or a Jewish gift any time. Mezuzahs are used throughout the Jewish world, even by non-observant Jews. This makes them an excellent gift for all occasions!

International Judaica Blog

Welcome Home! All About the Mezuzah

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