Mezuzah History, Background and Gift Guide

1. Before installing the Mezuzah to the doorpost make sure the Mezuzah Scroll (parchment) is inserted into the Mezuzah Case. Most Mezuzah casings are sold without the scroll. The Mezuzah should have a removable back that allows the scroll to be inserted. The scroll is tightly rolled and inserted into the Mezuzah. In some modern Mezuzah, a felt cover normally has a section pilled open to have the scroll inserted.

2. The Mezuzah is installed on the right hand doorpost as you enter the residence. Some Mezuzahs need to be installed with a nail, these require a small pilot hole using a nail or drill. A nail is preferred to prevent any damage to the Mezuzah. For Mezuzahs with brass screw, attach top screw to door frame, then hang the Mezuzah. Again, some modern Mezuzahs and especially smaller Mezuzahs used indoors, can be attached to the door with strong double sided tape.

3. The Mezuzah is attached at an average person's height. Normally this would be at the upper third of the doorframe, but no less than one hand's width from the top.

4. The Mezuzah hangs on an angle with the top part of the Mezuzah towards the inside of the residence or room and the bottom of the Mezuzah towards the outside. When hanging the Mezuzah tilt the Mezuzah slightly to the diagonal if the door post is not wide enough. In some cases the Mezuzah may be connected at a straight vertical angle.

5. The Mezuzah contains a portion of the Shema prayer from Deuteronomy, see the Mezuzah Scroll translation.

6. Before affixing the Mezuzah to the doorpost the following blessing must be recited:

"Baruch Atah Adonie Elohenu Melek Ha-Olam, Asher Kiddeshanu B'mitzvotav, V'tzivanu Likboah Mezuzah."

Translation:

"Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with Thy Commandments, and commanded us to affix the Mezuzah."

Taken from Hanging Instructions for the Mezuzah!.

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A Mezuzah is a sacred parchment with inscriptions of Hebrew verses taken from the Torah. In Jewish tradition, a mezuzah is placed into a cylindrical or rectangular container (Mezuzah Cases) and secured against the door frame. This is done to fulfill the commandment of having the words of the Shema Yisrael prayer on the doorpost of your place of dwelling.

Some scholars interpret Jewish law as requiring every door in a home to have a Mezuzah, excluding doors to restrooms and rooms used for storage.

While its exact origins are not entirely clear, tradition states that Mezuzahs were first used when it was given at Sinai in the year 1312 BC. It is believed that Mezuzahs were widely used during the 40 year journey across the desert, though this is often a subject of debate among scholars.

Most scholars, however, are in unanimous agreement that Mezuzahs became a prominent feature in Jewish homes by the time the Jews arrived in the land of Canaan by the year 1272-1258 BC.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has shed some light into the origins of the Mezuzah, which can be traced back to the Second Temple era when the Romans occupied the land of Judea. Jews were prohibited from Mezuzah observances of any form during the Roman control, though some managed to retain the sacred practice during the Diaspora.

Generally, the Mezuzah is placed on the right side of the door frame at a height of where an average adult's shoulder would be. It is supposed to be situated at a slight angle with the top tilted towards the entrance, though other traditions have it placed completely vertical. If a defect like a rip is detected, then the Mezuzah must be replaced. The Mezuzah also must be examined twice every seven years by a qualified inspector for signs of wear, such as fading ink or smudges.

Today, a Mezuzah as well as the container can be purchased in most Jewish souvenir shops. All Mezuzahs are required to be written and prepared by hand from a certified scribe.

There has been some debate whether the Torah is to be taken literally when it commands for the words of God to be placed on every doorway. Whatever the case, many Jews believe that the verses contained within the parchment offer divine protection and bring prosperity to the occupants of the home. The practice is thousands of years old and brings a sense of solace to the people that their home is being blessed by a higher power.