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The word mezuzah is used as a noun 18 times in the Scriptures, the same numerical value as the word for "alive" (i.e., chai: חי). Note that the gematria of the verse, "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house, and on your gates" (Deut. 6:9) equals 2468, which is the same value found in the account of the final plague in Egypt, where it is written, "Thus says the LORD: 'About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt' (Exod. 11:4). Therefore the sages infer that just as the Israelites applied the blood of the lamb to the mezuzot of their homes at the time of their deliverance from Egypt, so we should affix mezuzot to the doors of our homes. As believers in the Messiah Yeshua, the mezuzah reminds us that we too are bought with a price, and that our homes are dedicated to God.

Many mezuzot are beautiful pieces of artwork and are often given as housewarming gifts. The letter Shin (שׁ) that often is inscribed on the outside of the mezuzah case stands for the Name of God: Shaddai (the "All Sufficient One"). The three letters of the word Shaddai (שׁדי) are said to be the initials taken from the phrase "Guardian of the doors of Israel" (i.e., shomer daltot yisrael: שׁוֹמֵר דַּלְתוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל).

How to Affix a Mezuzah

In general, here are the steps required to dedicate your home with a mezuzah:

1. Obtain a kosher mezuzah (available through a good Jewish bookstore).
2. Select the desired doorway to the home.
3. 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).
4. 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).
5. Recite Likbo'a Mezuzah (see the blessing below) and affix the mezuzah about shoulder level on the selected door post.
6. 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, though any time is a good time to affix one that is missing!

Likbo'a Mezuzah Blessing

Recite the following blessing before affixing the mezuzah to the doorpost of your home:

Download Hebrew Blessing:

Simchah: The Chanukat Habayit

After the mezuzah has been affixed, you can have a celebration regarding the dedication of the home. You may wish to read some additional material (Psalm 15 and Psalm 119 are often recited) or sing some songs. Some people will have an oneg of bread, salt and candles to initiate their new home. The bread represents the hope that there will always be enough food; the candles are a symbol of light and joy; and the salt is a reminder of the Temple sacrifices and tears shed for its destruction.

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Hebrew for Christians
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