Mezuzah

What it is

The word mezuzah comes from Hebrew and means doorpost. Originally, the term referred only to the physical posts of a door. Later, it came to describe the parchment scroll itself. The scroll, called a klaf, is prepared by a trained scribe. The scribe writes specific Hebrew verses using black ink and a special quill. These verses are taken from the Book of Deuteronomy. They form part of the Shema prayer. The scroll is then rolled up and placed inside a protective case.

How it is kept

Jews affix mezuzot to the doorposts of every post-and-lintel entrance in a residence. This includes courtyards and city gates. The placement must be on the right side of the door. It sits in the upper third of the post, roughly at shoulder height. A blessing is recited before attaching the first one. In Israel, the mezuzah is put up immediately upon moving in. Outside of Israel, renters have thirty days to do so. Many people touch the mezuzah as they pass through the doorway.

Design and variations

The mezuzah case can be made from many materials. Silver, wood, stone, and ceramic are common choices. The back of the parchment often bears additional inscriptions. The word Shaddai appears frequently. Some Ashkenazi traditions also include a cipher phrase. Sephardic customs usually omit this phrase. Ashkenazi Jews often tilt the case slightly. Sephardi Jews typically keep it vertical. Karaite and Samaritan groups use different objects on their doors.

Meaning and purpose

The primary purpose is educational. The verses serve as a constant reminder of God's commandments. Over time, the mezuzah gained a protective role. Many believe it guards the house against evil forces. Sociological research shows that many Jews view it as a shield. The Chabad movement promoted checking mezuzot for safety after terrorist attacks. Despite these beliefs, some sources reject the idea that it acts as a talisman.

How Mezuzah is kept

A qualified scribe writes Torah verses on parchment using black ink. The scroll is rolled and placed in a case. The case is attached to the right side of the doorpost. It sits in the upper third of the frame. A blessing is said during installation. People touch the mezuzah when passing through. Scribes check the scrolls for damage regularly.

When and where

It is installed when moving into a new home. Renters outside Israel have thirty days. Homeowners in Israel install it immediately.

It is found in Jewish homes worldwide. Major communities exist in Israel, the United States, and Canada.

What Mezuzah means

It serves as a reminder of divine commandments. It also acts as a protective symbol for the household. The placement marks the home as a Jewish space. Touching it shows respect for the sacred text.

Questions people ask about Mezuzah

See also

SukkotA seven-day autumn Jewish festival of temporary booths, harvest prayers and hospitalityMedicine wheelSacred circular stone arrangements built across the plains of North AmericaKaddishA Jewish hymn of sanctification recited during prayer services and mourning rituals.Ghost DanceA circle dance ceremony kept by Native American communities to reunite with ancestors and restore peace.

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Mezuzah on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.