For thousands of years, Jews around the world have sanctified their homes by affixing a mezuzah, a container holding texts from the Torah, on the doorposts of their houses.  The tradition is rooted in the story of the Exodus from Egypt.  Before the tenth plague, God commanded the Israelites to put a mark on their doorposts to serve as protection.  We continue this tradition by using a mezuzah.

Over the centuries the mezuzah has come to mean more than its ancient origins.  Out of love for its enclosed teachings, some touch it and kiss their fingers as they enter or leave the house.  The mezuzah is also a symbol of shalom bayit (peace in the home), reflected in how we affix the mezuzah. According to one medieval rabbi, the mezuzah should be placed horizontally, while another rabbi suggested that it should be placed vertically. As a sign of compromise, the mezuzah is hung on an angle, thus respecting both perspectives.

As a marker of a Jewish house or as a symbol of domestic tranquility, the mezuzah can remind us that the Jewish home is a mikdash m’at, a small sanctuary reminiscent of the Temple that once stood in Jerusalem, and reinforce the idea that the home is one of the most holy places on earth.

Whether you have just moved into a new home or have been thinking of placing a mezuzah on your doorpost, we would love to help you dedicate your home.  A member of our clergy will be happy to speak with you about creating and leading a ceremony at your home to celebrate this occasion.

If you would like to learn more about our program, please contact our synagogue administrator, Missy Lowdermilk, who will put you in touch with either Rabbi Carr or Cantor Franzel.  Contact Missy at office@or-ami.org or 610-828-9066.

To see the texts read at a mezuzah hanging, please click here.