The mezuzah is a piece of parchment scroll with the Shema prayer inscribed on it which is kept in a small case. The purpose of the mezuzah is to act as a constant reminder of God's presence. Jews will often touch the mezuzah as they go through the door. The instruction for this comes from the Torah.
Do you need a mezuzah on every door?
A: Many of the doorways of the various rooms in a person's house are required to have a mezuzah on the doorposts; however, not every doorway is halachically obligated to bear one. A large walk-in closet is halachically considered to be a room if it is four amos wide and four amos deep, or larger.
Why is a mezuzah on an angle?
They eventually compromised, and agreed that a mezuzah should be hung on the diagonal, with its top inclined toward the inside. The decision, allowing peace to rein in a Jewish home in 12th century France, is part of the message of the mezuzah.
Are you supposed to touch the mezuzah?
It is customary for religious Jews to touch the mezuzah every time they pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it. However, kissing the mezuzah has also become customary for many secular Jews who think of the mezuzah as a good luck charm.
Can you put mezuzah on left?
Securing the Mezuzah. Place the scroll in the case. The mezuzah should have been rolled from left to right.
Why is the mezuzah placed at an angle?
This is done to accommodate the variant opinions of Rashi (1040–1105) and of his grandson, Rabbeinu Tam, as to whether it should be placed vertically (Rashi) or horizontally (Rabbeinu Tam), and also to imply that God and the Torah (which the mezuzah symbolizes) are entering the room.
Why put a mezuzah on the door?
In mainstream Rabbinic Judaism, a mezuzah is affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to "write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9).
What do you say when you touch a mezuzah?
The blessing said while hanging a mezuzah: Transliteration: Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam, asher keedishanu b'meetzvotav v'tzeevanu leek'boa mezuzah. Translation: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with God's commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.
Why do you touch a mezuzah?
Touching the mezuzah Whenever passing through the doorway, many people touch a finger to the mezuzah as a way of showing respect to God. Many people also kiss their finger after touching it to the mezuzah.