July 27, 2024

Life in the Land: Series – Dressed for Worship

“You shall write [these commandments] on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:9).

It might be a new word for you—mezuzah. To me it sounds like a character in a Dr. Seuss book, but mezuzah is actually the Hebrew word for “doorpost.” In order to honor this biblical commandment the Jews literally write Bible verses on a piece of parchment, roll it up inside a decorative case, recite a blessing and affix the case to the right door jamb of their home at around shoulder height. Years ago when the rabbis could not agree on whether the case should be affixed vertically or horizontally, they simply compromised, and now the case is usually affixed at a 45 degree angle with the top of the case pointing to the interior of the home. The angled case has come to signify the entrance of God and Torah into the home.

The parchment inside has been prepared by a trained scribe, written with a special quill in black ink, and if damaged, the parchment must be replaced. All those who enter a doorway displaying a mezuzah are expected to touch the mezuzah with one of their fingers as a sign of respect to God. Many will even kiss their finger after touching the mezuzah.

The parchment inside bears two passages, Deuteronomy 6:49 and 11:1321. The first passage includes the famous “shema” prayer, “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one,” and, of course, the verses that command the posting of the mezuzah. The second passage also includes the command to post the mezuzah as well as the popular command, repeated by Jesus in the New Testament, to “love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (11:13). This second passage also promises blessing for the people of Israel if they obey him and a forewarning of judgment if they do not.

On the opposite side of the parchment are the three Hebrew letters that spell Shaddai, often translated “Almighty.” This is the word from which we get El Shaddai, one of the many Old Testament names for God. You may also see a short phrase on the parchment with Hebrew letters that spell in cryptic form the name of God from the shema, the “LORD our God, the LORD.”

You’ll often see mezuzahs affixed to the doors of interior rooms and even closets in Jewish homes, but never on a bathroom door, for there the name of God is forbidden. If you visit Jerusalem, look for the mezuzahs as you enter the Jaffa, Zion and Dung gates, and you’ll probably start noticing them on nonresidential entryways like offices and synagogues.

Although intended as a reminder to obey God’s commandments, the mezuzah is believed by some to serve as protection against evil, demonic forces or natural disasters. A Jewish friend of mine once bemoaned that she failed to affix a mezuzah to two of the rooms in her home and that they were the only two rooms that were damaged during a recent Louisiana hurricane.

– Daniel McCabe