How to Merit a Beautiful Home: 10 Facts About the Mezuzah Commandment

1. Affixing a mezuzah to one's home is a positive commandment from the Torah, as it says: "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." The mezuzah contains the essence of faith, written in the first two paragraphs of the "Shema Yisrael" prayer.

2. The mezuzah is affixed on the right side, in the upper third of the doorpost of all doorways in the home. Women are also obligated in this commandment.

3. The paragraphs are written on parchment, by a qualified scribe, according to all the rules of writing a Torah scroll.

4. Affixing the mezuzah to the doorway is a declaration that this home lives by the principles the mezuzah symbolizes. We kiss the mezuzah to show our love for the commandment. One who kisses the mezuzah expresses identification with the two principles in the Shema: accepting the yoke of Heaven's kingdom and accepting the yoke of the commandments.

5. The mezuzah provides protection for the home where it is affixed. The name of Hashem inscribed on it symbolizes this: Shomer Daltot Yisrael (Guardian of Israel's Doors).

6. This commandment demonstrates Hashem's love for His people. Out of His great love, He commanded us to write His name at the entrance to our homes. One who is careful with the mezuzah commandment merits protection both when entering and exiting.

(Photo: Olivier Fitoussi / Flash 90)

7. This commandment is very beloved and grants many spiritual benefits to those who observe it meticulously. The Kesef Mishneh writes, "When the mezuzah is written properly, Hashem's protection encompasses the house." The Mordechai states: "I am assured that any house properly equipped with a kosher mezuzah, no harmful entity can control it." The Talmud in Shabbat says: "One who is careful with mezuzah merits a beautiful dwelling."

8. All protective qualities exist only when the tefillin or mezuzot are written properly. Therefore, it is highly advisable to purchase mezuzot from a reliable store whose owner is known to be God-fearing.

9. Being particular about the kashrut of the mezuzah is very important. In one unfortunate case, a person was injured in a car accident. When checking the mezuzah that was affixed to his doorway, it was found that the word "nafshecha" (your soul) was invalid.

Another case illustrating the importance of mezuzah kashrut: A Torah scholar wanted to check the mezuzah in his relative's house, who had not been blessed with children for many years. His relative told him that her neighbor had already checked the mezuzot and determined they were kosher. He didn't rely on this examination and asked to check again. The inspection revealed that in the word "bneichem" (your children), the letter 'yud' was invalid. Immediately after replacing the mezuzot, the woman was blessed with twins...

10. The book "Derech Yesharah" states that one who regularly checks his mezuzot will have long life, be saved from demons and spirits, and merit righteous children.

Rabbi Moshe Cohen checks mezuzot, by appointment, at Hidabroot House. To schedule, call 073-2221300 or click on this link.

Rabbi Yaron Mordechai Zakai on the laws of the mezuzah commandment:

Rabbi Moshe Cohen on the secret of the Jewish mezuzah:

Rabbi Moshe Cohen, student of Rabbi Kaduri of blessed memory, checks mezuzot at Hidabroot House by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call: 073-222-1300, or click here.