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Origin of the Term Mezuzot
It is a prayer in the Bible that gives rise to the concept of Mezuzot. The term “Mezuzot” is a plural term. The term “Mezuzot” is derived from the word mezuzah meaning “door post”.
Mezuzot are pieces of parchment on which a verse from the Bible is written in Hebrew
The verse says:
"Hear O Israel: the LORD our GOD, the LORD is One, and thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy , and with all thy might and thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates" (Deuteronomy 6: 4-9)
"and it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your GOD, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul that your days maybe multiplied, and the days of your children, upon the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth". (Deuteronomy 11: 13-21)
Mezuzot may also refer to the decorative casing in which the parchment is stored. According to the verses above, the Jews are to fix the Mezuzot on the front doors of their residing place.
Fixing Mezuzot
The parchment for Mezuzot is made of the skin of a clean animal. Then those two verses are written on the parchment following the Assyrian pattern of twenty two lines. The parchment is then rolled up and placed in a cylindrical casing with a small opening. The words “Guardian of the doors of Israel” are also written so that they are visible through the opening.
The Mezuzot are then fixed on the right hand side of the door or gate so that the Mezuzot slant in an inward position. This fixation process is done permanently.
Significance of Mezuzot
The significance of Mezuzot is that they remind the Jews of their identity, tradition and above all God’s presence and HIS laws. Orthodox Jews consider Mezuzot to be protective amulets. Mezuzot are meant to be fixed on door posts. But since Mezuzot are considered to be good luck charms, many Jews prefer to wear Mezuzot as necklaces. In case of rented house or apartment, the Mezuzot are to be fixed within thirty days of shifting to that place. In case of permanent residence the Mezuzot are to be fixed on the day itself of moving into the place.
Every time a person passes through a door or gate with Mezuzot attached, the custom is to kiss his or her fingers and touch the Mezuzot.
If a family wishes to change residence, then they should remove the Mezuzot if their house is to be occupied by a non-Jewish family.
Buying of Mezuzot
Mezuzot are to be thoroughly examined before being bought. Buyers must make sure that the writings are hand-written by a God fearing scribe or Sofer.
The market is flooded with decorative Mezuzot. Mezuzot can also be bought online. However, while buying Judaica gifts online always check the reputation of the shop to know that the Mezuzot are written by a qualified scribe. Since Mezuzot are related to God’s presence, you must not compromise with the quality of Mezuzot.
There are many online shops that would produce the agreement of authentication while you buy the Mezuzot.
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