Mezuzah

• • Symbols are used within religions to point to or explain something more clearly. Symbols will usually have a deeper meaning. They are often displayed in places of worship or in the home, and are used as a focus during worship
• • The mezuzah can be found on the door frames of many Jewish homes except for the bathroom door.
• • The mezuzah is a piece of parchment scroll with the Shema prayer inscribed on it which is kept in a small case.
• • The Shema prayer is important to Jews because the words describe God asking Jews to remember his commands in both their heads and hearts.
• • The purpose of the mezuzah is to act as a constant reminder of God’s omnipresence. Jews will often touch the mezuzah as they go through the door.
• This instruction comes from:

  • “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength impress them on your children."
  • "Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates"