Mezuzah – Spiritual Protection of the Supreme Kind

Anyone who walks down a street in Israel or inimmediately.  However, the general custom in
Jewish communities in the Diaspora will notice that anJudaism is to place mezuzot on all doorposts in the
odd looking rectangular ornament on each and everyhouse other than those leading to the bathroom
doorpost.  This ornament, called a Mezuzah, is abecause it is not respectful to place the words of
commandment that most Jews of all religious levelsthe Torah by a bathroom.
and affiliations perform.In terms of the contents of the mezuzah, it is the
The word Mezuzah means "doorpost" in Hebrew. first two paragraphs of the Shema prayer, or more
This is appropriate because this is where the mitzvah,appropriately, declarative statement.  The Shema is
or commandment, is performed.   The mitzvah asa declaration of faith in G-d that Jews say twice a
stated in the Torah states that Jews are to "inscribeday.  These two paragraphs are written on
these words upon the doorposts of [your] housesparchment by a scribe who has special training to
and gates".  The mezuzah is therefore to be placedwrite mezuzahs.  The source for writing these two
on the doorpost.  Jewish law states that theparagraphs is the Shema itself, when the Torah says
Mezuzah is to be placed on the top third of thewhat was stated above; that "You shall inscribe
doorpost on the right side, at the minimumthese words upon the doorposts of your houses and
immediately upon moving into a new home or withingates".  The mezuzah is generally checked twice
thirty days.  The general custom in the Diaspora isevery seven years although there is a tendency to
to give thirty days with a preference for putting ahave them checked more often because weather
mezuzah on the doorpost as soon as possible.  Indoes cause the text and parchment of the Mezuzah
Israel the custom is to put up a mezuzahto wear down.