why jewish use door mezuzah

why jewish use door mezuzah

The practice of using a mezuzah is based on a commandment found in the Torah, specifically in Deuteronomy 6:9 and Deuteronomy 11:20, where God instructs the Jewish people to "write these words on the doorposts of your house." The mezuzah serves as both a reminder of God's presence and a sign of faith, marking the home as a Jewish dwelling.

Reasons for Using a Mezuzah:

  1. Reminder of Faith and God’s Presence: The mezuzah serves as a constant reminder to Jews of their relationship with God. By placing it on the doorpost, they are symbolically inviting God into their home and reminding themselves of His commandments.

  2. A Symbol of Protection: Many Jewish traditions view the mezuzah as offering spiritual protection to the home and its inhabitants. It's thought to provide divine blessing and safeguard the family from harm.

  3. Identity and Connection to Tradition: The mezuzah marks a home as belonging to Jewish tradition. It serves as a visible expression of faith and connection to Jewish heritage, both for those who live in the house and for visitors.

  4. Obedience to a Commandment: Following the Torah's directive to "write these words" and affix them to the doorposts is seen as fulfilling a mitzvah (commandment). It's a way for Jews to practice their faith in their daily lives.

Ritual of Affixing the Mezuzah:

When affixing a mezuzah, the scroll is typically placed inside a protective case, which is then attached to the doorframe at an angle. The angle (often tilted slightly) reflects a tradition that was handed down through Jewish law. The scroll itself is handwritten by a trained scribe, and the first letter of the word Shaddai (שדי), which is one of God's names, is sometimes visible on the back of the case, offering additional protection.

How It Is Used:

While the mezuzah is primarily a sign of faith and connection to God, many people touch the mezuzah when they pass by it and may say a prayer, such as the Shema or a brief blessing, though this is not a requirement

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