The Mystery of the Mezuzah
August 31, 2011 at 5:51 PM
A frequent question in my studio is "What are the decorative scrolls in the doorways?" For those who do not know, these are called mezuzot (plural for mezuzah). A mezuzah is a piece of parchment (often contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael” beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One"
A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe in Jewish homes and businesses to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the doorposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9). Jewish law requires a mezuzah on every doorway in the home or business (except bathrooms, and closets too small to qualify as rooms). The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe who has undergone many years of meticulous training, and the verses are written perfectly in black indelible ink with a special quill pen. If there is an error in the writing, the scroll is not kosher.
My dear friend of many years is Rabbi Engel. He installed the mezuzot in my studio when I moved in over three years ago. Last week he came to my studio to check up on them and make sure that they are all still kosher. A couple of my mezuzot had become loose from their doorways. The Rabbi checked the scrolls and in one case, he replaced a scroll. I am very grateful to him for helping me. If you would like to have mezuzot installed or if you need your mezuzot checked please call Rabbi Engel at (303) 522-0141.
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