That is the reason for the mezuzah, the item affixed – at an angle – to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The Hebrew word mezuzah actually means doorpost, but over time it has evolved to mean the doorpost and what is affixed to it.

What is a mezuzah and what is its purpose?

The parchment that it is written on must be on the skin of a kosher animal. The purpose of the mezuzah is to act as a constant reminder of God’s presence. Jews will often touch the mezuzah as they go through the door. The instruction for this comes from the Torah.

What do Jews say when they touch the mezuzah?

The first verse written on the mezuzah is the Shema, the most important prayer in Judaism, which says, “Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” When observant Jews pass a doorpost that holds a mezuzah, they touch the mezuzah (or the box that holds the scroll) and remember that God is One.

What do Jewish people touch when they enter a house?

Many Orthodox Jews touch the mezuza upon entering or leaving a home, sometimes accompanying the gesture with a touch to their lips in a simulated kiss.

What does the mezuzah scroll say in English?

The prayer is recited in Hebrew, but in English it says, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.”

Why do Jews touch and kiss the mezuzah?

Whenever passing through the doorway, many people touch a finger to the mezuzah as a way of showing respect to God. Many people also kiss their finger after touching it to the mezuzah.

Why do Jews put stones on graves?

Placing pebbles and rocks on Jewish graves might have prevented evil spirits and demons from entering burial sites and taking possession of human souls, according to superstition.

Is it appropriate to wish someone a happy Passover?

Unlike Yom Kippur, which occurs in the fall and is a somber holiday, it’s appropriate to wish someone a “Happy Passover” because it’s also about celebrating life after being enslaved. A person could also wish someone a “Happy Pesach,” as “Pesach” is Hebrew for “Passover.”

Why is Kiss the mezuzah?

Possibly the practice of kissing the mezuzah symbolizes one’s desire for Divine protection as well as one’s love of God and His mitzvot. The Ktav V’Kabbalah (on Devarim 6:9) says that the mitzvah of mezuzah does not end with affixing the mezuzah to the doorpost.

Where to place a mezuzah?

The Mezuzah is affixed on the right-hand side of the door as you enter the room. It should be placed at a slight angle, with the top of the Mezuzah pointing toward the inside of the room and the bottom pointing toward the outside. The proper place for the Mezuzah is at the bottom of the top third of the doorway.

What blessing is said on the mezuzah?

The procedure is to hold the mezuzah against the spot upon which it will be affixed, then recite a blessing: Baru kh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam, asher qideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu liqboa’ mezuzah. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His mitzvot, and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

What is a Christian mezuzah?

Christian Mezuzah Project What is the Christian Mezuzah Project? It is based on the Jewish practice of having a Mezuzah (meaning door post), which is a scroll containing specific Old Testament verses (see below) affixed to the doorpost of one’s home. The Hebrew verses are Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21.