Deuteronomy 6:9 - Mezuzah: Divine protection at home?

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Hebrew Text

וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל־מְזוּזֹת בֵּיתֶךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt write them upon the doorposts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Transliteration

Ukhtavtam al-mezuzot beitekha uvish'areikha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּכְתַבְתָּ֛ם עַל־מְזֻז֥וֹת בֵּיתֶ֖ךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Mitzvah of Mezuzah

The verse (Devarim 6:9) commands the Jewish people to inscribe the words of the Shema "upon the doorposts of thy house, and on thy gates." This mitzvah is the basis for the practice of affixing a mezuzah to the doorposts of Jewish homes. Rashi explains that the term "וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ" (and on thy gates) extends this obligation beyond private dwellings to include the gates of cities and courtyards as well.

The Content of the Mezuzah

According to Halacha (Rambam, Hilchot Mezuzah 5:1), the mezuzah must contain two parshiyot from the Torah:

Devarim 6:4-9 (the first paragraph of Shema)
Devarim 11:13-21 (the second paragraph of Shema)

These passages emphasize the fundamental principles of Jewish faith: the unity of Hashem, the obligation to love and serve Him, and the concept of reward and punishment.

Halachic Requirements

The Talmud (Menachot 33a) discusses numerous details regarding proper mezuzah placement:

It must be affixed to the right side of the doorway as one enters
It should be placed in the upper third of the doorpost
The mezuzah must be written by a certified sofer on kosher parchment

Rambam (Hilchot Mezuzah 6:13) emphasizes that one must be careful with this mitzvah as it is an obligation that is constantly in effect.

Spiritual Significance

The Zohar (Shelach 170b) teaches that the mezuzah serves as spiritual protection for the home. The name "Shaddai" (Almighty) written on the back of the parchment is an acronym for "Shomer Daltot Yisrael" (Guardian of the doors of Israel). The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 423) explains that the mezuzah reminds us of Hashem's presence whenever we enter or leave our homes.

Contemporary Application

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe, Yoreh De'ah 1:181) addresses modern questions about mezuzah placement on various types of doors in contemporary dwellings. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 285-291) provides comprehensive guidelines for checking and maintaining mezuzot to ensure they remain kosher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'And thou shalt write them upon the doorposts of thy house, and on thy gates' mean?
A: This verse commands Jews to inscribe words of Torah (specifically the Shema and other biblical passages) on the doorposts of their homes and gates. This is the source for the mitzvah of mezuzah in Jewish law (Rambam, Hilchot Mezuzah 5:1).

Q: Why is the mezuzah placed on the doorpost?
A: The mezuzah serves as a constant reminder of God's presence and commandments when we enter and exit our homes. The Talmud (Menachot 33b) explains that placing it on the doorpost fulfills this biblical commandment literally and spiritually protects the household.

Q: What is written inside a mezuzah?
A: A kosher mezuzah contains two Torah passages handwritten by a scribe: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (the Shema) and Deuteronomy 11:13-21 (V'haya im shamoa). These passages speak of God's unity and our obligation to follow His commandments (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 288).

Q: How does this commandment apply to Jewish homes today?
A: Every Jewish home is required to have mezuzot on all doorposts (except bathrooms and very small rooms) according to halacha (Jewish law). This practice maintains our connection to Torah in daily life (Rambam, Hilchot Mezuzah 6:1). Many have the custom to touch the mezuzah when passing through doorways as a reminder of God's presence.

Q: Why do some people kiss the mezuzah?
A: Kissing the mezuzah (usually by touching it and then kissing one's fingers) is a minhag (custom) to show love and reverence for God's commandments. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 11a) mentions similar gestures of respect for holy objects. It's not required by halacha but became a widespread Jewish practice.