While a mezuzah is traditionally placed in the doorway of a Jewish household, a mezuzah necklace offers protection wherever you go. … They touch the mezuzah when they need guidance or use it to find peace. Some wear it as a reminder of God’s words while others use it to declare their devotion to the one true God.
Why is the mezuzah important?
The purpose of the mezuzah is to act as a constant reminder of God’s presence. Jews will often touch the mezuzah as they go through the door. The instruction for this comes from the Torah.
Why is the mezuzah at an angle?
This is done to accommodate the variant opinions of the medieval Rabbis Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam as to whether it should be placed horizontally or vertically, and also to imply that God and the Torah (which the mezuzah symbolizes) are entering the room.
Is a mezuzah good luck?
”We do have non-Jews coming in to buy mezuzahs because they see it as a good luck symbol, ” said Marla Cohen, a sales assistant at the Judaica Store in West Hartford, which carries a large selection of mezuzahs.
What does my Hebrew Necklace say?
‘Chai’ means life
Chai (חי) is a Hebrew word and symbol that means “life,” “alive,” or “living.” It is spelled with the Hebrew letters Chet (ח) and Yud (י).
Why do Hasidic wives wear wigs?
Orthodox women do not show their hair in public after their wedding. With a headscarf or a wig – referred to in Yiddish as a sheitel – they signal to their surroundings that they are married and that they comply with traditional notions of propriety.
Why do Hasidim wear fur hats?
According to Rabbi Aaron Wertheim, Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz (1726–1791) stated that “[t]he acronym for Shabbos is: Shtreimel Bimkom Tefillin – the shtreimel takes the place of tefillin.” Since wearing special clothing on Shabbat is a form of sanctification, among the Hasidim of Galicia and Hungary the shtreimel is …
Do you kiss the mezuzah?
It is customary for religious Jews to touch the mezuzah every time they pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it. However, kissing the mezuzah has also become customary for many secular Jews who think of the mezuzah as a good luck charm.
Who can hang a mezuzah?
Affixing the mezuzah
Generally, halakha requires Jews living in the Diaspora (i.e., outside of the Land of Israel) to affix a mezuzah within 30 days of moving into a rented house or apartment.
Why do Jews Rock when they pray?
Every time a Jew engages with the Torah, the light of his or her soul ignites, which is why he or she moves like the flame of a candle. This striking image illustrates the desire of many religious Jews to connect directly with God by learning and praying.
What do you say when you touch a mezuzah?
The blessing said while hanging a mezuzah: Transliteration: Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam, asher keedishanu b’meetzvotav v’tzeevanu leek’boa mezuzah. Translation: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with God’s commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.
What exactly is a mezuzah?
In Hebrew, the word mezuzah (מְזוּזָה) actually means “doorpost” (the plural is מְזוּזוֹת, mezuzot). The mezuzah as it is known is actually a piece of parchment, called a klaf, with specific verses from the Torah that is then placed inside a mezuzah case, which is then affixed to the doorposts of a Jewish home.
Why do Jews have curls?
Payot are worn by some men and boys in the Orthodox Jewish community based on an interpretation of the Tenach injunction against shaving the “sides” of one’s head. Literally, pe’ah means “corner, side, edge”.
What does the Star of David necklace symbolize?
Star of David, Hebrew Magen David (“Shield of David”), Magen also spelled Mogen, Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star. … The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.
Why is 18 a lucky number in Judaism?
In Jewish tradition, 18 is considered a lucky number because it symbolizes “chai,” the Hebrew word for “life.” Zucker is Jewish; her client happened to be Jewish. … But some research does indicate that the last three numbers can play a role in determining the final sale price of a house.
Which Psalm do Jews read on Mondays?
On Monday, Psalm 48 (“Great is God and much praised…”) is recited, in reference to the second day of Creation, on which He separated the things that he made (the heavens from the earth) and reigned over them.