The Jewish Home

I have often heard it said that Jewish homes have a “Jewish” appearance. While the statement may invite the comment, “Funny you don't look Jewish,” it is true that Jewish dwellings invariably contain a host of signs, all of which read, “Jews live here.” You have them posted around you.

One of the more pronounced objects in the home is the mezzuzah. The word “mezzuzah” literally means doorpost. A common misunderstanding of this word is the belief that a mezzuzah can be slung around the neck or kept on a shelf. Frequently, I have been proudly shown mezzuzahs that have been drawn out from beneath a shirt. This is, however, is a misconception. A mezzuzah is only a mezuzah when it is attached to the port of entry of one’s domain.

There is the story of a Jewish family that moved into a predominately non-Jewish area. What was affixing the oblong box to the lintel of the front door curious neighbors inquired, “What is that thing?” The man replied, “It is a mezzuzah. A box nailed to the doorpost.”

“Is there anything in it?” asked the visitor.

“There is a piece of parchment inside with some words written on it.”

When the family went out, the neighbors, driven by curiosity, went over and pried the mezzuzah off the door and hurriedly emptied it to see what was inside. Unrolling the tiny paper they read these words, “Help! I am imprisoned in a mezzuzah factory.”

That little box does carry a message, a very strong one. As Jews, we do not worship objects. To God alone do we bow and offer our prayers. The mezzuzah, like other religious symbols, is ever-present to evoke an inner spiritual response. In this vein, the strength and power of the mezzuzah cannot be overstated. There are many pious who will only enter a room after kissing the mezzuzah as they pass through the doorway. The mezuzah brings to mind the concept of holiness and few Jewish homes are without this continual reminder attached to their houses.

There are some who believe that the mezuzah is an amulet against evil.  Rabbi Eliezar ben Yaacov proclaimed, “Whosoever has tefillin on his head, tefillin on his arm, tzitzit on his garment and the mezuzah on his doorpost is fortified against sin.”  The Jewish objects around our home infuse our lives with sanctity.

These various symbols are fortifications against and often hostile or indifferent world.  Just as a king would protect his castle to assure his safety, we too need to create an environment protecting us from harm.

The next time you meander through your castle look at the sign on the right as you enter.  Besides being a call to holiness sit is a beacon that declares, “This is a Jewish home.”