What language is mezuzah?

What language is mezuzah?

A mezuzah (Hebrew: מְזוּזָה‎ “doorpost”; plural: מְזוּזוֹת‎ mezuzot) is a piece of parchment called a klaf contained in a decorative case and inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21).

What words are written in the mezuzah?

The blessing said while hanging a mezuzah: Transliteration: Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam, asher keedishanu b’meetzvotav v’tzeevanu leek’boa mezuzah. Translation: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with God’s commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

What is a mezuzah Shema?

The mezuzah is a piece of parchment scroll with the Shema prayer inscribed on it which is kept in a small case. The Shema prayer is important to Jews because the words describe God asking Jews to remember his commands in both their heads and hearts.

Is a mezuzah a religious symbol?

As a religious symbol, the mezuzah remains one of the most significant and popular of the Jewish faith. While it’s sometimes considered to be a good luck charm or a protective amulet, at its core, it’s a symbol of the covenant between God and his people.

Is a mezuzah?

Mezuzah, also spelled Mezuza (Hebrew: “doorpost”), plural Mezuzoth, Mezuzot, Mezuzahs, or Mezuzas, small folded or rolled parchment inscribed by a qualified calligraphist with scriptural verses (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13–21) to remind Jews of their obligations toward God.

Do you touch mezuzah?

A mezuzah is a small case affixed to the doorframe of each room in Jewish homes and workplaces which contains a tiny scroll of parchment inscribed with a prayer. It is customary for religious Jews to touch the mezuzah every time they pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it.

Why is the Shema in a mezuzah?

The mezuzah opens up and inside is the Shema prayer, written on a small piece of parchment. The Shema is the most important prayer in Judaism because it reminds Jewish people that there is only one God. Rabbi Ron Berry reads the prayer to check each word was readable and then, he explains what they mean.

Can a woman hang a mezuzah?

Can a woman hang a mezuzah? Yes, a woman can and should make the bracha (blessing) and put up the mezuzah herself.

What does the word mezuzah mean in Hebrew?

The Hebrew word mezuzah means “doorpost.” According to tradition, the mezuzah is to be affixed to the doorpost at the entrance to a Jewish home as well as at the entrance to each of the interior rooms except for bathrooms. The mezuzah itself consists of a small scroll of parchment (k’laf ) on which are written two biblical passages.

Where does the mezuzah go in a Jewish Home?

According to tradition, the mezuzah is to be affixed to the doorpost at the entrance to a Jewish home as well as at the entrance to each of the interior rooms except for bathrooms. The mezuzah itself consists of a small scroll of parchment (k’laf ) on which are written two biblical passages.

How often do you have to read the mezuzah?

The mezuzah in a private home must be inspected for legibility of the writing twice in every seven years. Shaddai, one of the names of God, is inscribed in Hebrew on the outer side of the top of the parchment. This word must show through the prescribed opening in the case so it can be read.

When was the commandment of mezuzah given?

According to tradition, the Jewish people have observed the commandment of mezuzah since it was given at Sinai in the Jewish year 2448 (1312 b.c.e.)