WHAT IS A MEZUZAH? By Alan Leon
OTHER PAGES Ethnic and Folk Arts Resident Artists Book Store Private Collections Collector's Corner			A mezuzah is literally a doorpost. It also refers to a decorative case or container that is attached to a doorpost. Mezuzahs' contain 22 lines of the book of Deuteronomy hand written on parchment and placed inside a decorative case that hangs on a doorpost. Mezuzah's are: A reminder of all that is bigger than ourselves A commandment A piece of Jewish folk art A way of marking arrival and departure A declaration of faith A symbol of a spiritual gateway A guidepost, a vessel, a reliquary A part of Jewish ritual life An objet d'art for each interior doorframe of a Jewish home A doorpost prayer-holder In earlier times a protector, charm and amulet A transformer of a home into a mini-sanctuary Directions for Installing Your Mezuzah 1. Attach to the right-hand side (as you enter) of the doorframe. For mezuzahs with nail, drill a pilot hole. Use a nail set so as not to damage the mezuzah. For mezuzahs with brass screw, attach top screw to door frame, then hang the mezuzah. 2. Attach to the upper third of the doorframe, but no less than one hand's width from the top.(i.e. about eye level.) 3. Tilt the mezuzah slightly to the diagonal so that the top is closer to the house or room and the bottom toward the outside. If the doorpost is not wide enough, the mezuzah may be fastened straight up and down. 4. Some have the custom of touching the mezuzah with their fingers and then bringing their fingers to their lips as they enter and leave. This reminds them of God's omnipresence. 5. The mezuzah contains a portion of the Shema prayer from Deuteronomy. 6. There is a traditional prayer recited at the time the Mezuzah is attached: "Baruch Atah Adonie Elohenu Melek Ha-Olam, Asher Kiddeshanu B'mitzvotav, V'tzivanu Likboah Mezuzah." "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."
			For further information about this site, contact Richard@ippi.com. Revere Collection is produced by IPPI whose mission is to bring you the highest quality products, exhibits and information on the web. Other IPPI sites can be found at http://www.ippi.com/ Copyright © 2000 Revere Collection