<p><h3>What is a mezuzah</p></h3>
<p>A mezuzah is a Jewish door ornament that fulfills a commandment and carries a powerful message. It consists of an <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx">outer mezuzah case</a> - often beautifully decorated, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx">in a range of possible materials and designs</a> - with a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Mezuzah-Scrolls-Parchments.aspx">klaf or parchment scroll</a> inside. The <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Mezuzah-Scrolls-Parchments.aspx">mezuzah scroll</a> text, written by a sofer or professional Jewish scribe, contains an excerpt from the Book of Deuteronomy that commands the Jews to hang these words on the doorposts of their homes.</p>
<p><h3>Where to hang a mezuzah</p></h3>
<p>The traditional placement of a mezuzah is on the doorpost of the entrance to one’s home, and on the doorposts of every room except the bathroom. Our store has a range of <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx/Outdoor-Mezuzahs.aspx">Jewish mezuzahs that are sturdy enough for the outdoors</a>, in addition to lots of <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973.aspx">amazing designs for any room in the home</a>, including <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/childrens-mezuzahs-C1092.aspx">kid-friendly mezuzah designs for children’s rooms</a>.</p>
<p>Where do you mount a mezuzah? A Jewish mezuzah is affixed on the right doorpost, within the top third of the doorpost.</p>
<p>What side of the door does the mezuzah go on? Traditionally, the mezuzah placement is on the right side of the door, to the right of a person entering the room.</p>
<p>Why is the mezuzah on the right side? The reason for hanging a mezuzah specifically on the right side of the door is that Jewish law assumes most people enter a room with their right foot first, and therefore the mezuzah should be on the side that will be closest to most people passing it by. (The rule is today universal, and one should affix their mezuzah on the right side whether they’re right- or left-handed.)</p>
<p><h3>How to hang a mezuzah</p></h3>
<p>In addition to rules on where to put a mezuzah, Jewish tradition also dictates how to install a mezuzah on the door. For ideal mezuzah hanging, one should use mounting tape or nails in order to affix the mezuzah case to the doorpost, with the mezuzah scroll placed inside. To help you with the proper way to hang a mezuzah on any doorpost, our store sells <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/double-sided-adhesive-tape-for-mezuzah">double-sided adhesive mounting tape here</a>.</p>
<p>According to Ashkenazi tradition, a mezuzah should be slanted at about a 45-degree angle, pointing towards the inside of the room. In Sephardi tradition, meanwhile, the mezuzah placement is usually straight and completely vertical.</p>
<p>Right before attaching the mezuzah to the door, according to Jewish tradition one also recites the proper blessing or prayer.</p>
<p><h3>Prayer for hanging a mezuzah</p></h3>
<p>The mezuzah blessing recited when hanging a mezuzah, also called the mezuzah bracha, praises G-d and references the commandment to put up a mezuzah:</p>
<p>“Blessed are you, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, Who has made us holy with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.”</p>
<p>This mezuzah prayer is said by the person hanging the mezuzah, right before affixing it to the door.</p>
<p><h3>Why is the mezuzah slanted</p></h3>
<p>If you live in or around an Ashkenazi Jewish community, you’ve probably seen all mezuzahs slanted on doorposts. Why is the mezuzah slanted? It’s a compromise between two opinions that existed in medieval Jewish law: one that the mezuzah should be vertical, and one that it should be horizontal. A conclusion was reached that both opinions should be respected by hanging a mezuzah on a slant.</p>
<p>The mezuzah tilt, therefore, represents unity and compromise in the Jewish tradition.</p>
<p>Which way does a mezuzah lean and what is the mezuzah angle? The mezuzah according to Ashkenazi tradition leans to the right towards the inside of the room. It should be at a slight angle, around 45 degrees or less, whatever the width of the doorpost allows, with the top pointing towards the inside of the door and the bottom pointing outwards.</p>
<p>Sephardi tradition, on the other hand, is to hang the Jewish mezuzah straight and vertical. Both mezuzah placements are commonly seen in Israel today.</p>
<p><h3>Why do you kiss the mezuzah</p></h3>
<p>There is a Jewish tradition to kiss a mezuzah when passing one while walking into a home or room. A mezuzah kiss is not a requirement or commandment, but a folk tradition.</p>
<p>How to kiss a mezuzah? Most people touch the mezuzah first with their right hand and then kiss the tips of the fingers that touched it.</p>
<p>Why do you kiss the mezuzah? There is a Jewish tradition to kiss holy objects, or the fingers or other items that touch them, and a Jewish mezuzah - containing a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Mezuzah-Scrolls-Parchments.aspx">parchment or mezuzah scroll</a> with holy words of the Torah inside - is one such holy object.</p>
<p><h3>Modern mezuzah designs</p></h3>
<p>Our store carries <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973.aspx">hundreds of modern mezuzah cases</a> in thrilling designs from Israel’s top artists, with something to fit every style. Whether you like modern takes on Biblical motifs like the <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/art-in-clay-handmade-tree-of-life-ceramic-mezuzah-with-24k-gold">Tree of Life</a> or <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/dorit-judaica-stainless-steel-swarovski-stone-mezuza-case-pomegranates-p9310">pomegranate</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/danon-designer-western-wall-mezuzah-case-with-swarovski-crystal--p12246">Western Wall-inspired designs</a>, or something totally modern like funky <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/handmade-aluminum-mezuzah-case-with-shin-dogs-">dog</a> or <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/handmade-aluminum-mezuzah-case-with-shin-cats-">cat mezuzahs</a> - we have something for everyone!</p>
<p>Check out contemporary mezuzah designers <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Dorit-Judaica.aspx">Dorit Judaica</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Ofek-Wertman.aspx">Ofek Wertman</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/yair-emanuel-mezuzah-cases-C613.aspx">Yair Emanuel</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Danon.aspx">Danon</a>, and <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Shraga-Landesman.aspx">Shraga Landesman</a>, and stunning, modern mezuzah materials like <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/925-Sterling-Silver.aspx">sterling silver</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Anodized-Aluminum.aspx">anodized aluminum</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Jerusalem-Stone-Mezuzah-Cases.aspx">Jerusalem Stone</a>, and even <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Wood.aspx">gorgeously painted wood</a>.</p>
<p><h3>Shin on mezuzah</p></h3>
<p>Many <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx">mezuzah cases</a> are adorned with the Hebrew letter Shin, which stands for “Shaddai,” one of G-d’s holy names.</p>
<p>Why does a mezuzah have a Shin on it? The reason for the Hebrew letter Shin on a mezuzah is a reference to the holy name Shaddai, which itself is an acronym for Shomer Daltot Yisrael, "Guardian of Israel's doors". The Shin on a mezuzah therefore refers to G-d’s protection and guardianship over our homes.</p>
<p><h3>Mezuzah meaning / mezuzah definition</p></h3>
<p>The word “mezuzah” literally means “doorpost.” A mezuzah is a Jewish door ornament that fulfills the commandment for Jews to hang the words of the Bible on their doorposts.</p>
<p>A mezuzah consists of an outer <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx">mezuzah case</a> with a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Mezuzah-Scrolls-Parchments.aspx">klaf or parchment scroll</a> inside. The <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Mezuzah-Scrolls-Parchments.aspx">mezuzah scroll</a> text, written by a professional Jewish scribe, contains an excerpt from the Book of Deuteronomy that specifically mentions the commandment of the mezuzah.</p>
<p><h3>Buy a mezuzah from Israel</p></h3>
<p>Our store carries a wide range of mezuzahs for sale, including beautiful <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx">mezuzah cases</a> from Israeli artists and <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Mezuzah-Scrolls-Parchments.aspx">kosher mezuzah scrolls</a> written by trained religious scribes.</p>
<p><h3>Historic mezuzah Replicas from the Israel Museum</p></h3>
<p>We carry <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/israel-museum-judaica-C396/Mezuzahs.aspx">Jewish mezuzahs by the Israel Museum</a> whose designs are adaptations of historic Jewish artifacts. They come with a certificate of authenticity from the Israel Museum as well as an explanation of their historical significance. Check <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/israel-museum-judaica-C396/Mezuzahs.aspx">our catalog</a> for available designs, which include a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/pewter-mezuzah-case-adaptation-of-esther-scroll-case-poland-19th-century-p7319">replica of an Esther Scroll case from 19th century Poland</a> and an <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/brass-mezuzah-case-adaptation-of-silver-bible-binding-germany-17th-century-p7320">adaptation of a Bible binding from 17th century Germany</a>.</p>
<p><h3>Marc Chagall mezuzahs</p></h3>
<p>We also have a special line of <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C634.aspx">Marc Chagall mezuzah cases</a>. Marc Chagall was a twentieth-century artist, many of whose Jewish-themed works grace Israeli buildings and museums around the world today. Some of our stunning, limited-edition March Chagall mezuzahs include reproductions of his famous <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/-limited-edition-marc-chagall-mezuzah-ten-commandments-p272">"I Am The Lord Thy God" Ten Commandments painting</a>, or a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/-limited-edition-marc-chagall-mezuzah-king-david-knesset-replica-p271">King David motif</a> from the awe-inspiring “Exodus” tapestry that hangs in the Israeli Knesset building. All <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C634.aspx">Marc Chagall mezuzahs</a> ship in a deluxe gift case with a certificate of authenticity.</p>
<p><h3>Sterling Silver mezuzahs</p></h3>
<p>If luxury is what you’re looking for, then you’ve found it here with our stunning selection of incredible <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Sterling-Silver-Mezuzah-Cases.aspx">sterling silver mezuzah cases</a>! Adorn your home with style and elegance by hanging a mezuzah made from luxurious silver and the best of Israeli craftsmanship, like a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Sterling-Silver-Mezuzah-Cases/Shoham-Yemenite-Art.aspx">traditional Yemenite filigree design</a> or <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Sterling-Silver-Mezuzah-Cases/Bier-Judaica.aspx">smooth polished silver</a> with a <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/bier-judaica-handcrafted-sterling-silver-ridged-mezuzah-case-with-beaded-design">contemporary look</a> or even <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/bier-judaica-handcrafted-sterling-silver-mezuzah-case-with-floral-cut-out-design-choice-of-colors-">floral</a> or <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/bier-judaica-handcrafted-sterling-silver-mezuzah-case-with-jerusalem-design">Jerusalem designs</a>.</p>
<p><h3>Mezuzah designs from Contemporary Israeli Artists</p></h3>
<p>We have a number of <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzah-cases-C94.aspx">Mezuzah cases</a> from well-known Israeli artists, including <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Dorit-Judaica.aspx">Dorit Judaica</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Ofek-Wertman.aspx">Ofek Wertman</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/yair-emanuel-mezuzah-cases-C613.aspx">Yair Emanuel</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Danon.aspx">Danon</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Laura-Cowan.aspx">Laura Cowan</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Rafael-Jewelry.aspx">Rafael</a>, <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/mezuzahs-by-israeli-artists-C973/Shraga-Landesman.aspx">Shraga Landesman</a>, and <a href="https://www.judaicawebstore.com/Sterling-Silver-Mezuzah-Cases/Shoham-Yemenite-Art.aspx">Shoham Yemenite Art</a>. So hang a mezuzah on your door that showcases the best of Israeli style!</p>
