mezuzahs

A mezuzah is a small case affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes that contains a parchment scroll inscribed with specific biblical passages. The scroll is handwritten by a qualified scribe on kosher parchment and typically contains the two sections of the Shema Yisrael from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. The parchment is placed inside a protective case, which can be made of leather, wood, metal, glass, or other materials, and may be plain or highly decorative.

The mezuzah serves as a tangible reminder of God’s commandments and the home’s sanctity. It is normally affixed on the right-hand doorpost of each doorway leading into a dwelling or a room used as living space, with bathrooms and sometimes other non-living spaces commonly exempt. When affixing the mezuzah, many communities recite the blessing: Blessed are You, Hashem our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah. The top of the case is often placed at a slight angle toward the inside of the room, though practices vary by tradition.

Care and authenticity: The scroll must remain legible and true to the text; if it becomes damaged or unreadable, a competent sofer should re-write or replace it. The case itself is not required to be kosher, but the parchment inside must be written correctly and kept protected. Mezuzahs come in a wide range of designs, reflecting personal and communal tastes while fulfilling the same religious function.