A mezuzah (Hebrew: “doorpost”) is a piece of parchment in a decorative case inscribed with specified verses from the Torah that is placed on door frames. I salvaged these from a home in Olivette that I sold so that I could give them back to the original owner.
A mezuzah serves two functions: Every time you enter or leave, the mezuzah reminds you that you have a covenant with God; second, it serves as a symbol to everyone else that this particular dwelling is constituted as a Jewish household, operating by a special set of rules, rituals, and beliefs.
In Ashkenazic tradition, the top of the mezuzah is inclined towards the inside of the room, and the bottom towards the outside. It is believed that placing it in a “standing” position is not respectful, similar to how the Tablets and the Torah scroll were arranged in the Holy Ark in the Temple.
The “Klaf” is handwritten in Hebrew, and it is remarkably small, approximately 2″ x 1.5″ max. The craftsmanship is impeccable, I can only wonder how old they are!
