Why Don’t You Have a Mezuza?

Just saw this post over at Jewschool, and I had to repost! 

Welcome to Mezuza Zine, which offers… practical halachos, cool stories, trivia, and other mezuza-related writings and drawings. To include:

• Basic Halacha of putting up a mezuza and which doorposts need them and which do not
• D.I.Y. mezuza case… just add a shin
• Where to find Kosher mezuza scrolls
• Something mystical or deeper meanings
• Interview with a Sofer
• Funny PSA style advertisements with pictures of homes, Jews, and their mezuza choices

Such a  great idea! But what, you might ask, is a mezuza?  Why does it deserve its own zine?

Mezuzah: a parchment scroll inscribed with the verses of the Shema and affixed to the right doorpost of every room in a Jewish home.  In addition to its role as a declaration and reminder of our faith, the mezuzah is also a symbol of G-d's watchful care over the home and its dwellers. The name of G-d, Sha-dai, which appears on the reverse side of the parchment is an acronym for the Hebrew words which mean "Guardian of the doorways of Israel." The placing of a mezuzah on the doors of a home or office protects the inhabitant–whether they are inside or out.

Truly… you should, if you don’t have a mezuzah now, consider putting one up.  They really are a wonderful and momentary way to bring more meaning to your life. A mezuza can transform (especially when it’s a new addition to your home) the process of coming and going into a daily pause for reflection/prayer.  In short. Tiny. Moments When I was 18, my dad took me to the Judaica store to buy my “college mezuzah”. Honestly, he was new to Jewish observance at the time himself, having grown up pretty secular, and we were both learning.  I had to have it all explained to me, and I felt dumb, but I’m so glad now I made it a part of my life. Of course… then my –hyper-evangelical-beauty-queen roommate took it down one night while I was out getting hammered. She thought there was a pentagram in it or something.  But that’s another story. Until Mezuza Zine is up and running, should you need tips on hanging a mezuzah, check out this site.  Should you want to purchase a mezuzah, look no further.  Should you want to make a (fun ugly sculpey) mezuza, here you go.  Should you want to buy a (kosher) scroll from Israel, prepare to spend a pretty penny.  Unless you’re feeling cheapo, and don’t care if its kosher, in which case you can just  print one out.