What is a Mezuzah?
The Mezuzah (Me-zu-zah’ – accent on last syllable – plural Mezuzot ) is a small case containing a small hand written parchment scroll (called a klaf). The scroll contains the words of the “Shema Yisrael” prayer from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Deuteronomy 11:13.
Shema Yisrael means “Hear O Israel.” The first sentence declares, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is they God, the Lord is one.” It is the Jewish confession of faith. The parchment of the Mezuzah is hand lettered. It is prepared by a specially trained scribe and must be perfect. It should be examined periodically to ensure that it is in order.
Where to place the Mezuzah
According to some authorities, the Mezuzah must be placed on every doorway except closets and bathrooms. According to others, it must only be placed on the entryway of the house. Some view the Mezuzah as a good luck charm, but respected authorities deride this view as superstition.
To buy Mezuzot:
1. If you are going to put Mezuzahs on every doorway in your home, count the number of doors and archways in your home to decide how many Mezuzot you will need. A mezuzah should be mounted on every doorway, including front and back gateways if you have them, but excluding the bathroom and small closet doors.
2. Choose a practical size that suits your needs. Mezuzot range in size from a few inches to nearly a foot in length. The average is about 5 inches long. You may also purchase decorative protective cases that fit over the Mezuzah.
3. You may want to buy extra Mezuzot to use if a mezuzah is declared invalid and must be replaced.
4. Buy your Mezuzot from a reliable and kosher source. You can find kosher mezuzot in a reliable Judaica store.
5. Select a Mezuzah case. Your Mezuzot will need protection. Even a clear plastic cover will do, but most people like to enclose their Mezuzot in decorated cases.
6. Have your Mezuzot checked regularly. An annual check by a scribe before the holiday of Rosh Hashanah is customary among many orthodox Jews.
7. Be sure to check our ebay mezuzah store.
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