Mezuzah - Higher Security - Mitzvah Minutes

Higher Security

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No, it’s not a Jewish doorbell. It’s a home security device called a mezuzah, and it’s wired into the Ultimate Protection Agency.

The software inside this gadget is a scroll with the words beginning, “Hear O Israel, the L‑rd is our G‑d; the L‑rd is one.” Those powerful words sum up the mandate of a Jew: to infuse the world with G‑d’s oneness. We place the mezuzah on our doorposts, and G‑d’s oneness surrounds us and protects us.

Illustrations by Yehuda Lang. To view more artwork by this artist, click here.

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August 12, 2012

Re: Re Physical Protection

The fact that it is in the Talmud doesn't make it true. After all, one of the medicines quoted would give you worms, e.coli and lead poisoning at the very least. The Talmud is not, after all, the bible.

Anonymous
london, UK

August 12, 2012

Re: Physical Protection

The concept that the Mezuzah protects has its source in the Talmud and in the subsequent writings of many of our great sages, who emphasize that the property of this mitzvah (Torah mandated duty) is to offer protection. Some point out that G-d's name written on the outside of the scroll (spelled Sha-D-AI) stands for Shomer Daltei Yisrael, Guardian of the doors of Israel. However, the protection comes not from some kind of amulet, but from the merit of fulfilling G-d's command to affix the Mezuzah. Nevertheless, there is no problem in knowing and intending to receive the benefit of protection through doing this Divine command. This idea is illustrated in the story found here: www.chabad.org/1671534 As far as a connection between Mezuzah and the Pascal blood, our sources do not indicate that the two are more than tenuously related.

Rabbi Shmary Brownstein
Chabad.org

July 30, 2012

Mezuzah does not physically protect you

The Mezuzah contains the Shema.

In the Shema Moses is indicating you can, much the same as we would use a mnemonic device to remember all the time that Hashem is the one and only G-d.

I assume the word "Israel" alludes to the women, which is why perhaps it also further highlights to teach it in their home, outside their home to the children.

Tzitzit with the name of G-d spelled on it is another mnemonic device and not a bullet proof vest. Similarily the Mezuzah will not physically protect you.

I think the confusion here is as a result of the Paschal Lamb's blood on the door posts in the final plague somehow now the Mezuzah provides the occupants with protection.

Jon Hornstein
Bentleigh, vic
jewishmelbourne.com.au

March 18, 2012

The real power of the mezzuzah

@Julietta: the mezzuzah is not an idol; it is a reminder of our commitment to G-D and to Judaism. It's there to remind us as we enter our home that we are to make it a sacred space by honoring our covenant there by keeping and performing mitzvot; when we do so, we make our homes a kind of miskkan (dwelling place) for G-D's presence. It reminds us when we leave, that we are to bring holiness to the world and honor G-D there to bring the Divine into our whole lives. The protection is provides is that is a mnemonic (memory) device. The command to take care of it by having it checked keeps us from just putting it up and forgetting about it, as does the tradition of touching it and kissing one's fingers.

Bryan
NYC

March 13, 2012

Thank you Menachem Posner!

Reminds me of a line from my siddur. In English (sorry, my Hebrew is so limited!): Your horses are an illusion of security, they provide no escape.

Genevieve Sawyer
Denville, NJ

March 6, 2012

Purchase

A Judaica store or Synagogue in Cape Town should be able to assist you in purchasing a mezuzah. You can use our center search to find a Chabad synagogue in your area at chabad.org/centers

Mrs. Chana Benjaminson
mychabad.org

March 6, 2012

Mezuzah

Shalom

where may I purchase the mezuzah?

Anonymous
cape town, sa

October 19, 2010

To Ilana

I would certainly use this as an opportunity to have the mezuzah checked by a skilled scribe. Even if you have had it checked before, you should still do so again. Sometimes one scribe will catch an error that another scribe missed, and the mezuzahs sometimes deteriorate with age.

Menachem Posner for Chabad.org

October 18, 2010

mezuzah falling

my mezuzah falls off my bedroom door all the time? it is mounted well...is this a sign of anything ?

Ilana
Plantation, FL

June 2, 2010

RE: Removing a Mezuzah

If the next residents of your home will be Jewish, you should leave your mezuzhas for them--unless they have their own. If non-Jews will be moving in, just take them down. Before affixing them to the doors of your new home it is advisable to have the mezuzahs checked by a scribe to make sure that they are intact and in good condition.

Menachem Posner for Chabad.org

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