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"You shall write them on the doorways of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:9) Jews throughout the world attach a small parchment scroll called a mezuzah to their doorposts to show the dedication of their homes to G-d's service. The mezuzah contains two paragraphs, (The Shema, and the V'Havtah) from the Torah outlining the basic tenets of Judaism. The mezuzah reminds all who see it of G-d's existence and presences in the world. The mezuzah case can be simple in design, or rather elaborate and ornate, just as a Torah might be adorned inside a synagogue. The mezuzah should be on every door of a Jewish person's home with the exception of bathrooms. (Bathrooms would be considered disrespectful because they are dirty.) The mezuzah case can be whymsical, traditional, contemporary, made out of wood, sterling silver, Jerusalem stone, glass, pewter or brass, but most importantly, it should be noticeble to the Jewish person who lives there, so that person is always aware of it's presence. The inside parchment should be hand written by a talented sofer who makes his own ink, and quill pen. The parchment should be of fine quality so that each letter can be read easily. Only a quality certified kosher scroll should be placed in any mezuzah case. The mezuzah symbolizes not only a Jewish person's dedication to the commandments, sanctification of the home, and love of G-d, but also an affirmation of Jewish identity.
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