Mezuzah

Q: What is a mezuzah and what is its function?

A: The word mezuzah literally means “doorpost.”  We enter our homes though the doorposts (mezuzot) several times each day.

However, the Torah states that the Jewish people are obliged to write God’s Commandments, “on the doorposts of your homes and upon your gates” (Deut. 6:9).  In order to fulfill the word of God, we inscribe the message on all entry points of our domicile. We have come to refer to these words, and no longer just the doorpost, as a mezuzah.

So as not to allow casual destruction of a Torah passage by scuffing, scratching and general wear we place this Deuteronomic passage on a small parchment, attach it to the lintel of our door in a protective case. Sometimes made of metal or rock, clay or even plastic the outer shell of the mezuzah of protects the precious insert.

While some folks where the emblem of the mezuzah around their neck, these are not true mezuzot as they are not doorposts, nor do they contain the sacred parchment. Instead they are a symbol, like the Star of David.  Similarly, while it has become fashionable to have a “car” mezuzah this is not a doorpost so none is required and it is not a mezuzah.