then it
identifies, sanctifies
and protects your home with its blessing.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
RELATING TO THE MEZUZAH
- Alphabet
- The same calligraphy prescribed for Torah script with exact details for each of the 27 Hebrew letters.
- Bracha
- Blessing to be recited before applying Mezuzah to door post (see back of pamphlet),
- Halacha
- Torah laws. In this reference, governing the writing and affixing of the Mezuzah,
- Kosher
- Valid, perfect, conforming completely to Halacha.
- Lines
- Evenly spaced, scored rulings, using a bone stylus on the parchment to guide the 22 lines of calligraphy.
- Mezuzah
- The sacred parchment inscribed by hand with the two portions of Torah: "Shema" and Vehaya (Deuteronomy 6:4.9; 11:13-21), including the verse, "And you shall inscribe them upon the door posts of your house and upon your gate.
- Mitzvah
- A commandment, obligation or duty taught by Torah and by Rabbinic law.
- Parchment
- Specially processed from the hide of a kosher animal, with the specific intention of using it for Mezuzot.
- Possul
- Invalid, the opposite of kosher. A Mezuzah showing any deviation or omission in the original writing. Deterioration of letters, for example, cracking of ink or fading caused by weather or temperature, renders it unfit and Invalid. A Mezuzah written on paper, printed, or reproduced by offset is not valid. Avoid painting over a Mezuzah.
- Rolling
- The Mezuzah should be rolled from left to right, avoiding folding or forcing it into its case.
- Scribe
- A qualified and reliable calligrapher trained in the laws of writing scrolls of Torah, Tefilin and Mezuzot, as a religious observance, not merely as a profession.
- Sha-dai
- The Divine name, inscribed on the reveres, side of the parchment. Also, the acronym for the Hebrew words: Shomer Daltot Yisroel, meaning "Guardian of the Doorways of Israel."
- Shema Yisrael
- The first passage in the Mezuzah taken from Torah, the basic belief of all Jews in the unity of the One G-d: "Hear, 0 Israel, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is one."
- Vehaya
- The second Torah passage in the mezuzah requires that we express our love of G-d by observing His Torah commandments which assure us of His blessings.
|
MEZUZAH INFORMATION
A Mezuzah should be affixed to the door post of each room in the home and place of business (including basement, attic and garage). A Mezuzah should never be placed at the entrance to a bathroom.
inspection.- Each mezuzah must be examined by a reliable scribe, at least twice every seven years. Temperature and weather changes, as well as age, may cause the ink to fade and crack, thereby invalidating the Mezuzah. A Mezuzah should also be checked at the time of purchase.
PROCEDURE FOR AFFIXING A MEZUZAH
Before affixing a Mezuzah to a door post, the following blessing should be recited: Hebrew Transliteration: Boruch Ato A-do-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ho-olom asher kidshonu b'mitzvotov V'tzivonu likboa Mezuzah.
Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a Mezuzah.
If more than one Mezuzah is being affixed at one time, only one blessing is recited.
When affixing a Mezuzah to an archway, no blessing is recited.
The Mezuzah is affixed:
- On the right door post as one enters.
- In a slanted position with the top pointed to inside of room
- In the upper third of door post height (shoulder high).
- On outer 3.2 inches of door post width.
MEZUZAH INFORMATION AND SERVICE
If you need any additional information, or
would like help or advice in obtaining a
mezuzah, please call or write us. You can also arrange through us to check your Mezuzot.
|
Return to CJSO Home Page