By Cailin Acosta
SAN DIEGO – “I have a story to share with you all that happened before Passover which gave me the idea to make mezuzah’s a topic to educate you all on,” said Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier of Chabad of East County at the Torah and Tea event on Thursday, June 5.
Andrusier continued that a volunteer was given a list of congregants to help deliver matzo to, but she wasn’t familiar with the area. When the volunteer arrived at the residence, she noticed that there was no mezuzah on the doorframe, but the owner replied that she was at the correct residence. The owner later called Rabbi Rafi Andrusier about affixing a mezuzah to his doorframe so that future volunteers would not have to question whether they were knocking on a Jewish resident’s home.
“So, what is the big deal with having a mezuzah in your home?” Andrusier asked the women in attendance at the tea. She explained that this not only lets people know this is a Jewish home, but that for friends who are Jewish, it is to feel like their home and to be welcomed. This is also the connection between our ancestors and the past generations going back to the First Commandment. This states that Hashem is our G-d.
Andrusier played a song from her phone, “Never Alone” by Bracha Jaffe and Shaindy Plotzker (click here to view the video for women only) that explains in Hebrew the protection of Hashem by sending angels to the Jews in the desert. Andrusier noted she has played this song when giving birth to remind her to stay centered and that she is safe. In the aftermath of October 7, 2023, she played this song often as well.
It is mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy that we are to inscribe Hashem’s name on our gates and doorposts, also on our heads and our arms which is what men do with tefillin. Enclosed in the mezuzah case is the Shema prayer.
Often, many people go to Israel and purchase a beautiful mezuzah case and come home to have a rabbi inspect them and many have found out that the materials inside are not authentic. The case is not the problem; it is the scroll inside that give it the authentication of being a true mezuzah which should be displayed appropriately.
Andrusier advised not to buy a mezuzah online or from a shop that claims the scroll inside is kosher. Many vendors say they have authentic materials but it is advised to have a rabbi inspect the mezuzah to make sure it is authentic. The rabbi can affix the mezuzah on the doorframe, so it is done properly following halachic law. Sefer Torah in the College Area is highly recommended if needing to check a mezuzah. The shop also carries many other Judaica items.
The case has Hashem’s name in Hebrew to remind Jews that G-d is protecting the home of the people who live inside. If the scroll is damaged, it does not get thrown in the trash, Andrusier advised the women to call her or her husband who can bury it properly with other holy documents.
Andrusier mentioned that it is good practice to have mezuzahs (mezuzot in Hebrew) inspected every seven years by a rabbi. Here in San Diego, we have dry heat and if your mezuzah is in direct sunlight, it might disintegrate and dry out quicker.
As the mezuzah signifies Hashem’s protection of the people who live inside, If residents of the home are sick, sometimes a rabbi might ask if he can inspect the mezuzah to make sure it is still in good shape.
Discussion ensued about how many mezuzahs are required in a home since they can be expensive. Andrusier said that the most important one is on the front doorframe, the other would be leading to the bedroom. A mezuzah is not required to lead into a bathroom. The commandment is to have a mezuzah on all the doorposts so even though a roof covers the whole house, there are many door frames inside the house.
The mezuzah should be angled leading into the room you are entering. If your kitchen and dining room are separated by a door or hallway, putting a mezuzah leading into the dining room would be better as it is where the family meets to share a meal. Technically, any space larger than 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet should have a mezuzah on the doorframe.
If you are a Jewish business owner, it is advised to have a mezuzah on the doorframe to let Jewish people know that they are welcome in their business and to feel at home.
The blessing of the mezuzah is said when it is first affixed to the doorframe and covers all the mezuzahs in the house. The blessing does not need to be said every time you pass it.
When we enter a Jewish home, why do we kiss the mezuzah? Andrusier said it is a show of respect. We use our dominant fingers and then touch the mezuzah, then bring them to your lips to kiss. The same when touching the Torah with the siddur and bringing the siddur to your lips. Kissing your fingers and touching the mezuzah is not correct. Touching the mezuzah and bringing it to your lips is acknowledging that Hashem is protecting us. Most people do this custom when leaving the house and getting into their vehicles to protect them as they leave their safe place. When entering another residence, people do this as well to acknowledge and respect Hashem is protecting them.
The next Jewish Women’s Circle “Torah and Tea” is at noon, Thursday, July 10. Click here for more information.
*
Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.