Mezuzah Hanging

Mezuzah means “doorposts.” Mezuuzot are small containers that Jews hang by their doors. They can be made of many different materials. When the mezuzah is opened, the Shema prayer inside is revealed, which is written on a small piece of kosher parchment. This is considered the most important prayer in Judaism. It reminds Jews that there is one God.

This is an ancient symbol of Judaism that reminds us to live by the words of God. We affix the Mezuzah to the doorposts of our house in order to be reminded of our responsibilities as Jews. We ask that the divine spirit enter our home and that the spirit of consideration, kindness, and love of all of God’s creatures.

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

We say:

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

Which means:

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

The mezuzah is affixed with its top at an angle facing inward. It is attached to the top one-third of the doorpost, on the right side, when entering the home. Mezuzah may be attached to other doors as well.

We pray:

As we enter this home, God aids us to be free of the burdens of the outside world, and find sanctuary within these walls.

House Blessing

Your home is especially significant in Jewish tradition. It’s no surprise that house blessings are among the most popular events in which Rabbi Rob specializes.

Home blessings are offered in both Hebrew and English. There are a number of different blessings which may be applicable here. These include Shema Yisrael the Birkat HaBayit among others.

“Let no sadness come through this gate” is a prayer that’s central to many home blessings, and represents the spirit and hope that embodies the Jewish community.