Why Mezuzahs?

The Hebrew word mezuzah means “doorpost.” Mezuzahs are affixed to the doorposts at the entrance to Jewish homes. Each mezuzah contains a small scroll of parchment on which is written two biblical passages. The first, Deuteronomy 6:4–9, makes up the beginning of the V’ahavtah prayer:

Hear, O Israel! The Eternal is our God, the Eternal alone. You shall love the Eternal your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them upon your children. Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead; inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.