Hanging A Mezuzah | Reform Judaism

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Image: Blessing when hanging Mezuzah

The mezuzahmezuzahמְזוּזָהLiterally, “doorpost;” a decorative case that holds a handwritten parchment scroll of the Shema and V’ahavta. Mezuzot are placed on external and internal doorposts of homes to fulfill the commandment in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 “inscribe them [these words] on the doorposts of your house.” is raised.

This ancient symbol speaks to us of our need to live by the words of Adonai. We affix the mezuzah to the doorposts of this house with the hope that it will always remind us of our duties to one another as members of the Household of Israel. May the divine spirit fill this house--the spirit of love and kindness and consideration for all people.

Hebrew Text:

.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לִקְבֹּעַ מְזוּזָה

Transliteration:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu likboa m'zuzah.

Translation:

Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to affix the mezuzah.

[The mezuzah, its top inclining inward, is then affixed to the upper part of the doorpost on the right, as one enters the house. If desired, a mezuzah may be affixed to the right doorpost of the principal rooms.]

Conclude by reciting the Shehecheyanu (blessing of praise).

Source

On the Doorposts of Your House, CCAR Press. Copyright 1994.

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