What is a Mezuzah and why we hang it on our doorposts
The Mitzvah of Mezuzah is a biblical one.
“And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts (mezuzot) of our house and on your gates”
(Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:20)
The inscription that this refers to is to love Hashem, believe in only Hashem, keep all of His commandments and pass this down to your children. And so, these words are inscribed on a piece of parchment (klaf) and the parchment is enclosed in a case, which is referred to as the Mezuzah.
The Mezuzah is affixed to our doorposts, and it is customary to touch the mezuzah every time we pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it. The Mezuzah reminds the dwellers of the household that they are bound in a covenant with Hashem, and outsiders that this is a Jewish dwelling and is bound by the set of beliefs, rules and customs pertinent to those of a Jewish household.
Although this was not the custom previously, in more recent times, Jews have also come to put up Mezuzot in their offices as well, however without a blessing when affixing it.
When, where and how do we affix the Mezuzah?
A Mezuzah is affixed to every living space in the home, and this is done as soon as possible after having moved into this living space.
The Mezuzah is affixed to the right-hand side of the door from the point of entry, in the lower part of the top third of the doorpost and it is affixed at a slant with the lower part towards you. The Mezuzah needs to be securely attached with a nail or glue so that it does not fall – it contains G-d’s name inside and it is important to ensure that falling does not happen.
Immediately prior to affixing it, a Brocha is said and then the Mezuzah is nailed or stuck on.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ , אֱלֹ-ינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לִקְבֹּעַ מְזוּזָה
Baruch Atah A-do-nai Elo-heinu Melech haolam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu likboa mezuzah.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, Who has made us holy with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.
CBDChabad Mezuzah Service
Rabbi Danny, at CBDChabad Sydney, is our Mezuzah guy!
Not only will you be assured that all the laws are adhered to propery, but he is also available if you have questions about the Mezuzah.
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