What is Mezuzah and How to Place it?
Every traditional Jewish home is distinguished by a small, elegant object affixed to its doorposts: the mezuzah. This scroll and case ensemble serves as a constant reminder of faith, symbolizing God’s presence and protection over the household. A mezuzah consists of a handwritten parchment scroll (called a klaf) inscribed with biblical verses, rolled up and placed in a decorative case. The case is then attached to the doorframe of one’s home and rooms. The practice of mounting mezuzot on doorposts comes from an explicit biblical commandment and has been cherished for millennia as a way to infuse our living spaces with spirituality. At Israel Judaica Center, we offer a wide array of mezuzah parchments and beautiful mezuzah cases – from simple designs to ornate sterling silver mezuzah cases – so that you can fulfill this mitzvah in style and according to halacha. In this article, we will explore the origin of the mezuzah, explain what is written inside it, discuss how to ensure a mezuzah is kosher (valid), and provide guidance on how to place a mezuzah properly on your doorpost.
The Origin of Mezuzah
The mitzvah of mezuzah has its origin in the Torah itself. In two passages of the Shema (the central declaration of faith), the Israelites are instructed: “And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts (mezuzot) of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:9 and 11:20). The word mezuzah in Hebrew literally means “doorpost,” but over time it came to refer to the sacred object placed upon the doorpost. According to our sages, these verses refer to inscribing the words of the Shema – affirming the Oneness of God and the duty to love God – and mounting them on our doorways. The practice is of biblical origin and carries great weight, as it is mentioned in our holiest texts. As such, Jews have observed this commandment since ancient times.
Historically, the mezuzah serves not only as a personal reminder but also as a public declaration of Jewish identity and faith. Archaeological evidence suggests that by the Second Temple period, mezuzot were already in use. The Talmud relates stories highlighting the mezuzah’s significance and protective power – for example, Onkelos (a famous convert in Roman times) explaining to a Roman officer that while a king normally guards inside while servants guard outside, with the mezuzah, God guards outside the door of Israel, keeping watch over His servants within. This beautiful symbolism underscores the belief that a home with a mezuzah is under divine protection and care.
The mezuzah is more than a good-luck charm; it’s a tangible symbol of covenant. It reminds those entering and leaving the home of God’s constant presence and the commandments they carry out in daily life. The very placement – on the doorpost – is symbolic: a threshold between the Jewish home and the outside world. In effect, the mezuzah transforms a house into a Jewish home, sanctifying the space. Over generations, countless Jews, whether in humble shtetls or grand houses, have been comforted by the sight of the mezuzah at their door, often touching and kissing it as they pass through. Even during times of persecution, Jews risked their lives to keep mezuzot on their doors, an eternal testament to faith.
Today, fulfilling the mitzvah of mezuzah continues wherever Jews live. At Israel Judaica Center, we uphold this tradition by providing mezuzah scrolls handwritten by qualified scribes on kosher parchment, and an extensive selection of cases – including wood mezuzah cases, artistic ceramic designs, modern acrylics, and stone mezuzah cases carved from Jerusalem stone. This allows each family to choose a case that resonates with their personal style and the décor of their home, all while adhering to the halachic requirements that define a proper mezuzah. By understanding the origins of the mezuzah, we appreciate that when we affix it to our doorpost, we are participating in an unbroken chain of observance stretching back to Moses and Joshua, proclaiming as they did that our homes serve God.
What Is Written Inside the Mezuzah?
Inside every mezuzah case is the true heart of the mezuzah: a small parchment scroll on which a sofer (scribe) has carefully written specific Hebrew verses. These verses are none other than two fundamental passages from the Torah – the first two paragraphs of the Shema prayer. The scroll begins with Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad…” (“Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.”) and continues through “Ve’ahavta et Adonai Elohecha…” (“You shall love the Lord your God…”). It then includes Deuteronomy 11:13-21, which starts “Ve-hayah im shamoa tishme’u…” (“And it shall come to pass if you diligently obey My commandments…”). These two passages comprise the core of what is to be inscribed. They contain the commandments to love God, to teach these words to our children, to bind them as signs on our arms and between our eyes (tefillin), and to write them on the doorposts of our house and gates – hence the mezuzah itself. In fact, the inclusion of these specific verses means the mezuzah scroll literally fulfills the verse that commands its existence.
Together, these biblical excerpts affirm the unity of God, our devotion to Him, and the basic tenets of reward and responsibility tied to observing the commandments. They also reference the Exodus from Egypt (in the second paragraph), linking the mezuzah to the broader narrative of Jewish redemption and faith. Importantly, the scroll must be handwritten by a trained scribe with special black ink on kosher parchment (usually parchment made from calf or goat skin). The writing is in the traditional calligraphic script used for Torah scrolls and tefillin. Because it is a holy object, every letter on a mezuzah scroll must be written with utmost accuracy and intention. Even one cracked or missing letter can render the mezuzah pasul (invalid). That is why purchasing mezuzah scrolls from a reputable source is vital – at Israel Judaica Center, we ensure that our mezuzah scrolls are 100% kosher, checked by expert scribes and usually also verified by computer for accuracy.
On the back of the parchment (the outer side that is not visible once rolled), it is customary for scribes to write one of God’s names, Shaddai (שדי). This name, whose letters stand for “Shomer Daltot Yisrael” – “Guardian of the doors of Israel” – is another reminder of the mezuzah’s protective spiritual function. Additionally, some scribes inscribe brief phrases or codes such as “כוזו במוכסז כוזו” – an esoteric inscription of the divine name. These are written on the back so that when the scroll is rolled up, those letters face outward, towards the opening in the case. However, nothing else may be added or omitted from the main text on the front; it must include exactly the traditional verses, written in 22 lines of text in a precise format.
Thus, what is written inside the mezuzah is essentially the Shema – the declaration of faith and acceptance of God’s commandments. Each time we see the mezuzah, we can recall those very words hidden inside. Even without unrolling it, the presence of the mezuzah on our door reminds us of the content: to love God wholeheartedly and to keep His words present in all our actions. It’s fascinating to consider that every kosher mezuzah in every Jewish home from America to Australia contains the exact same Hebrew verses, uniting those households in a shared proclamation. This uniform text has safeguarded Jewish identity – even when one may not see the parchment, one knows it’s there. It’s common for people to teach their children about the mezuzah’s contents, perhaps even showing them an example of a scroll, so that the youngsters know that behind the pretty mezuzah case on the wall lies holy writing of the Torah. In short, the mezuzah’s inside is the distilled essence of Jewish belief and duty, handwritten with sanctity, and that is what imbues the mezuzah with its significance.
How to Check if a Mezuzah Is Kosher
Ensuring that a mezuzah is kosher (fit and valid according to Jewish law) is crucial, because only a kosher mezuzah fulfills the mitzvah and provides the intended spiritual benefit. A mezuzah can become non-kosher due to problems with the scroll’s text or damage over time. Jewish law actually advises that mezuzot be periodically inspected by a qualified expert. The traditional guideline is to have mezuzah scrolls checked twice every seven years (or about every 3½ years). In practice, some people check them even more frequently, especially in humid climates or if the mezuzah is outdoors (where weather can affect it). If you purchase a new scroll from us at Israel Judaica Center, you can be confident it has been checked and is kosher. Over the years, however, ink can crack or fade, parchment can be affected by moisture, and letters can deteriorate – any of which might invalidate the scroll.
To check a mezuzah, one typically brings it (or sends it) to a sofer (scribe) or a religious authority trained in examining scrolls. The examiner will carefully unroll the delicate parchment and inspect each letter under good light. Common issues that render a mezuzah not kosher include: letters that have faded or rubbed off, cracks through letters (breaking them into pieces), ink spread or flaking, or letters that were improperly formed by the original scribe. Even a tiny crack in a crucial part of a letter can change its identity and thus invalidate the entire scroll. For example, if the yud of God’s name is missing a prong, or if two letters touch each other, corrections must be made. A skilled sofer can sometimes repair a mezuzah by re-inking a faded letter or scraping excess ink, but if letters are missing or too damaged, the scroll might need replacement. Furthermore, the sofer will check that there are no missing words or spelling mistakes. Mezuzah scrolls are written according to an exact template, so any deviation in text order or spelling is a serious flaw. Thankfully, reputable scribes rarely make such errors, but checking ensures no surprise issues are present.
Another aspect of a kosher mezuzah is the integrity of the parchment and writing as a whole. The scroll must be made from the skin of a kosher species (usually cow, goat, or deer parchment). It must be prepared lishmah – for the sake of the mitzvah. The scribe must write with special black ink and a quill, also lishmah. All this is assumed if one buys from a trusted source. However, over time, physical conditions can impact the scroll. For instance, exposure to heat or dampness can cause letters to smudge or parchment to warp. Sometimes insects can nibble at parchment. That’s why ensuring the mezuzah case is well-sealed against moisture, and occasionally opening an outdoor case to air it out, is wise. When our center installs mezuzot for customers, we make sure to use sturdy cases (for example, rubber or silicone-lined perspex mezuzah cases or metal cases with weatherproofing for outdoors) to protect the scroll.
If a mezuzah is found to be non-kosher during inspection, it should be removed and not re-affixed until repaired or replaced. One should not recite the blessing on a questionable mezuzah. If repair is possible, the scribe will do it. If not, one should respectfully bury the defective scroll (as one would holy writings) and obtain a new kosher scroll. It’s also advised to check mezuzot if unexplained troubles befall a household, as a spiritual precaution – the Talmud (Menachot 44a) suggests that mezuzot afford protection, so ensuring they are kosher in times of need is an ancient practice (though not a substitute for practical action).
In summary, checking a mezuzah’s kashrut involves examining the parchment and lettering for any defects or changes. By adhering to the recommended schedule of inspection – and sooner if you suspect an issue – you guarantee that the mezuzah on your doorpost truly contains the holy verses intact and thus fulfills the commandment. Our Israel Judaica Center team can assist by facilitating professional checking of mezuzot. We also provide guidance on proper mezuzah maintenance, like avoiding placing them in direct sun or in leaky areas. A kosher mezuzah is literally carrying God’s word; keeping it in good shape is both a halachic requirement and a sign of respect. When you take the time to verify that your mezuzah scrolls are valid, you are essentially renewing your home’s spiritual security system – confirming that those powerful verses are watching over your household unblemished.
How to Place a Mezuzah
Affixing a mezuzah to the doorpost is a relatively simple act, but it comes with specific guidelines to fulfill the commandment properly. Knowing how to place a mezuzah ensures that your home is duly sanctified and that you honor the mitzvah correctly. The mezuzah is to be placed on the right side of the door as one enters the room or house. This means, for the front door of a home, you typically put it on the right doorpost as you walk in from outside. For interior doorways, it’s on the right side based on the direction leading into the more significant room (for example, the mezuzah to a bedroom would go on the right side entering the bedroom from the hallway). The mezuzah should be affixed on the upper third of the doorpost height – roughly shoulder height or about 5–6 feet from the floor, depending on door height. Specifically, halacha states it should be at the lower part of the upper third, usually about two-thirds of the way up the doorpost. In practical terms, measure the doorframe height and divide by three; place the mezuzah just above that one-third-from-top point. Additionally, it should ideally be within about 8 cm (a handbreadth) of the doorway opening.
There is a well-known difference in tradition regarding the angle of the mezuzah case. Ashkenazi custom is to affix the mezuzah diagonally, with the top tilted inward toward the room one is entering. This practice developed as a compromise between two opinions in medieval times: one sage (Rashi) held that the mezuzah should be vertical, while his grandson Rabbeinu Tam held it should be horizontal. By placing it at a diagonal (usually roughly a 45-degree angle, upper end toward inside), Ashkenazi Jews satisfy both views and symbolically show that God and Torah are entering the room. In contrast, most Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews affix the mezuzah vertically upright, following their tradition. In households of mixed background, it’s common to follow the local community or the family minhag one adheres to. Either way, the shamash (the Hebrew letter shin) on the mezuzah case – often visible as part of the design – should face outward, away from the house interior. Our staff can advise on mounting your mezuzah at the proper angle or orientation and provide the appropriate hardware. Typically, the mezuzah case is attached with screws or nails. If one cannot drill (in a rental, for example), a strong double-sided adhesive or mounting tape can be used, but care must be taken that the mezuzah is firmly placed and won’t fall.
Before actually securing the mezuzah, one performs the mitzvah with a blessing. The mezuzah scroll should be rolled correctly (with the text on the inside, starting at Shema, and Shaddai facing outward) and placed inside the case. Hold the mezuzah against the doorpost at the correct spot (right side, upper third, angled if applicable). Then recite the blessing: “Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu likbo’a mezuzah.” – “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah”. This blessing covers all the mezuzot you will put up in that session, so if you are doing multiple doorways in one go, say the blessing once and then proceed to affix all of them. Immediately after the bracha, attach the mezuzah case to the post – using screws, nails, or adhesive – and ensure it’s secure. One should take care not to damage the parchment during installation; do not hammer directly on the case over the scroll area or let glue touch the scroll. Usually, the case design will allow space or have designated holes for nails that don’t interfere with the scroll.
Once affixed, the mezuzah remains in place permanently (or until needing checking). It’s forbidden to remove a mezuzah when moving house if it will leave a Jewish home devoid of one – generally, one should leave it for the next occupant or replace it, unless the next occupant will disrespect it. A mezuzah should be on every qualifying doorway of a home – essentially every room except bathrooms or very small closets. This includes bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc., and even entrance gates to a property or garage entrances if used often (some families put mezuzot on all entrances to fulfill “on your gates”). At Israel Judaica Center, we offer professional installation services, ensuring each mezuzah is positioned correctly and with the proper blessing. We also stock a variety of screws, nails, or mezuzah mounting tape for those who prefer DIY installation.
After affixing the mezuzah, it’s customary to touch or kiss the mezuzah as one passes as a sign of love for God’s word. Many make it a habit that the mezuzah is the first thing they encounter when returning home – a moment to pause and remember “Adonai Echad”, the Lord is One. Placing the mezuzah properly, then, is not only a physical act of securing an object; it’s a spiritual act of dedicating the home. With each mezuzah properly placed, you have effectively turned your living space into a mini-sanctuary. The process is straightforward, yet deeply significant: a few words of blessing, a simple act of attachment, and your doorpost is transformed into a testament of faith.
Conclusion
The mezuzah is a remarkable blend of simplicity and profundity – a small scroll on the doorway that carries enormous spiritual weight. By exploring its origin, we see that this mitzvah comes straight from the Torah and connects us back to the formative statement of Jewish belief, the Shema. Knowing what is written inside – the very verses declaring God’s unity and our commitment to His commandments – helps us appreciate why the mezuzah is such a treasured fixture in Jewish life. It is not merely a decoration; it’s a daily proclamation that “a great truth dwells here.” Maintaining that truth means checking our mezuzot periodically to ensure each mezuzah scroll remains intact and kosher, so that our observance is genuine and not just symbolic. And when it comes to affixing the mezuzah, performing it correctly – on the right doorpost, at the right height, with the proper blessing and intention – completes the mitzvah and brings blessing to the home.
Throughout generations, the mezuzah has been associated with divine protection and Jewish identity. In times of uncertainty, Jews would look to the mezuzah as a reassurance that God watches over their coming and going. Its presence quietly influences the atmosphere of the home; as the Talmud says, “the entire house is protected by it.” At Israel Judaica Center, we take pride in helping you fulfill this mitzvah – whether through providing mehudar (beautiful, high-standard) mezuzah parchments, a wide selection of artistically crafted mezuzah cases (from sleek modern styles to traditional stone mezuzah designs), or guidance on installation and care. We consider it our mission to ensure that every Jewish doorpost can indeed have a mezuzah that meets halachic standards and pleases the eye. So if you're looking to buy mezuzah online, you are at the right place.
In conclusion, affixing a mezuzah is a relatively small act that yields great spiritual dividends. It transforms the threshold of your home into a gateway of holiness. Each time you pass by and see that little case – perhaps touching it and remembering the love of God contained in its script – you reinforce the values and faith that define your household. A home with mezuzot on every door is one consciously filled with reminders of compassion, duty, and divine presence. As you fulfill the mitzvah of mezuzah, may your home be blessed with protection, peace, and inspiration, and may all who enter recognize that it is a dwelling devoted to higher ideals.
