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The word mezuzah is used as a noun 18 times in the Scriptures. The Israelites applied blood to the two mezuzot of their homes at the time of their liberation from Egypt, and the word is used to describe the gateposts of the Temple, both those built by Solomon and those envisioned by Ezekiel. As believers in the Messiah Jesus, the mezuzah can remind us that we too are bought with a price, and that our homes our dedicated to God.
Many mezuzot are beautiful pieces of artwork and are often given as housewarming gifts. The letter Shin often appears on the outside of the mezuzah case and stands for the Name of God: Shaddai (the Mighty). The three letters of the word Shaddai are said to be the initials of “Guardian of the doors of Israel” (shomer daltot yisrael):
Affixing a Mezuzah
In general, here are the steps required to dedicate your home with a mezuzah:
- Obtain a kosher mezuzah (available through a good Jewish bookstore).
- Select the desired doorway to the home.
- Make sure the upper third of the right door jamb is clear (the right side is determined from the point of view of entry into the room).
- Position the mezuzah on a slight angle pointing upward and toward the inside of the home (if the mezuzah cannot be put at a slant because the entry post is too narrow, it can be put upright).
- Recite Likbo’a Mezuzah (indicated below) and affix the mezuzah about shoulder level on the selected door post.
- The Shehecheyanu blessing is also said at this time.
Note: A mezuzah is normally put up within 30 days of moving into a new home or apartment.
The Likbo’a Mezuzah
Recite the following blessing before affixing the mezuzah to the doorpost of your home:
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