The mezuzah is a scroll made of parchment. It is affixed to the door post in a Jewish home or dwelling. The mezuzah can be found on the front door, while in more religious homes or buildings it may hang on every door and entranceway except to bathrooms. The parchment is made from the skin of a clean (Kosher) animal and has two Torah passages inscribed on it. One of which is part of the Hebrew prayer the Shema. These passages are traditionally written within 22 lines and in square-like characters. Once the passages are written, the scroll is rolled into a case that has a small 'window hole'. Through the peep hole one can see the Hebrew word for 'Almighty'. The Hebrew letters that make up the word 'Almighty' represent the initials of the phrase 'Guardian of the Door of Israel'. A blessing is made as the mezuzah is hung in a ceremonious fashion. The mezuzah is placed, slanted inward, in the top third part of the right hand door post as you enter the home.

The hanging of the mezuzah is one of the most widely followed ceremonies of Jewish life. The mezuzah makes a Jewish home or building distinct; it announces to those that enter that there is a sense of Jewish commitment within. Today, one might see Jewish people wearing a charm in the shape of a mezuzah around their neck.

Pictures of Mezuzahs

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