In the heart of Rehovot, Israel, a city where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the rhythm of the present, I found myself standing at the threshold of a new world. As a young scholar hailing from the golden land of Myanmar, I found myself in a land steeped in history and tradition.
One day, as I was walking through the labyrinthine corridors of my new workplace, a small box affixed to the right side of the lab entrance caught my eye. It never occurred to me that there was a culture, such as a box nailed to the right side of the entranceway of the door. I learned about it, and I know it was a Mezuzah, a small parchment scroll enclosed in a decorative case. The word ‘Mezuzah’ literally means ‘doorpost’ in Hebrew. It also spelled as Mezuza, is a significant artifact in Jewish tradition. It is a parchment that carries inscriptions of two important scriptures from the book of Deuteronomy (6:4-9 and 11:13-21), known as the ‘Shema’ and ‘Vayaha’ in Hebrew, which can be translated into ‘to hear and obey’. These inscriptions serve as a handwritten testament to the obligations that Jews have towards God. This tradition can be traced back to the Jewish year 2448 (1312 B.C.E.) when it was given as a commandment at Sinai. The commandments within the verse instructed the Jews to “inscribe them upon the doorposts of your home and upon your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:9). Till the present days, this ‘doorpost’ or ‘mezuzah’ is affixed to the main doorpost of a Jewish home after a particular blessing is recited.
The Mezuzah is not typically seen hanging openly because it is kept within a protective case. This case is designed in such a way that a specific part of the parchment is visible. This visible portion contains the word ‘Shaddai’, which translates to ‘Almighty’.
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How does it create?
It is said that the process of creating a Mezuzah is intricate and complex. It is crucial to ensure that the parchment of the Mezuzah scroll is genuine, made from the skin of a kosher animal, and that the Hebrew verse from the Torah is inscribed by a sofer (a trained calligrapher) using a special pen and ink. A single error or crack can render the parchment invalid.
The process of creating Mezuzah began with the preparation of the parchment. Carefully selecting the skin of a kosher animal, the parchment was prepared explicitly for use as a sacred object. This was the canvas on which the scriptures from the book of Deuteronomy, the Shema and Vayaha, would be inscribed. Once the scriptures were written, they would be checked thoroughly to ensure they were free from errors.
“Tradition does not mean to look after the ash, but to keep the flame alive.”
— Jean Jaures
On the reverse side of the scroll, the scribe would write one of God’s names: Shaddai. The three letters of this name formed an acronym for the Hebrew words that mean “Guardian of the doorways of Israel”. Once the scriptures were written and checked, the scroll would be carefully rolled up and placed in a protective case. The case was often decorated with the Hebrew letter ‘shin’, which is the first letter of ‘Shaddai’. The final step was to affix the Mezuzah to the right side of the doorpost of a Jewish home.
A specific blessing would be recited as the Mezuzah was hung on the top third of the doorway, slanting it so that the top of the Mezuzah faced inwards towards the room.
Why is it hanging on the door?
Intrigued, I turned to a friend from the lab, a native Israeli, who explained the significance of the Mezuzah. She told me that it was more than just a piece of parchment; it was a symbol of faith, a beacon of luck, and a constant reminder of God’s presence. It was a testament to the Jewish people’s enduring faith, which had weathered countless storms yet remained unshaken. Likewise, many believe that a properly hung Mezuzah offers protection to the home and its inhabitants. Such is the power of the Mezuzah that even non-Jews have been known to use them, claiming that the scrolls bring them good fortune.
As I began to see Mezuzahs almost everywhere, on homes, offices, and even shops, I realized that they were not just objects of curiosity. They were symbols of a deep, abiding faith that I had come to respect. Each Mezuzah was unique, a silent guardian, a tangible connection to God, a constant reminder of the divine presence in everyday life. It was a tradition that had been passed down through generations, a thread that connected the past, present, and future.
Each day brought new insights. I learned about the meticulous process of creating a Mezuzah, the sacredness of the words inscribed on it, the significance of its placement on the doorpost. I learned about the people who held this tradition close to their hearts, their unwavering faith, their resilience in the face of adversity. As I delved deeper into the world of the Mezuzah, I found myself changed. I was no longer just a visitor in a foreign land; I was a part of the tapestry that was Israel. I carried the lessons of the Mezuzah with me, the understanding of a faith that was as resilient as it was profound. I found a piece of myself in the heart of Israel, within the scroll of a Mezuzah. I discovered a tradition that was not confined to a particular country or people, but was a unique aspect of humanity itself. I uncovered a tale of faith, resilience, and hope that transcended borders and cultures, a tale that would stay with me forever.
This journey of discovery, of understanding the significance of the Mezuzah, has been an enlightening experience. It has taught me that faith is not just about belief, but about finding meaning in the traditions and rituals that define us. It has shown me that even in the smallest of things, like a Mezuzah on a doorpost, there can be profound wisdom and beauty. As I continue my journey in this foreign land, I carry with me the lessons of the Mezuzah—the understanding of a faith that is as resilient as it is profound. And in doing so, I find that I am not just a visitor to this land but a part of its rich tapestry of faith and tradition.
