A mezuzah is a handwritten parchment scroll (klaf) inscribed by a trained scribe (sofer) with two passages from the Torah, which is then affixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The two passages are Shema (Devarim 6:4–9) and Vehaya im shamoa (Devarim 11:13–21). The word "mezuzah" technically means "doorpost," but in everyday use it refers to the scroll itself together with the case that protects it.
What is a mezuzah?
A mezuzah is a small handwritten parchment scroll containing two passages from the Torah, fixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The mitzvah comes from the verse "uchsavtam al mezuzos beisecha" — "and you shall write them on the doorposts of your house" (Devarim 6:9). The word itself literally means "doorpost," which is why the object that goes on the doorpost came to carry that name.
The heart of a mezuzah is the writing, not the object you see on the wall. It must be inscribed by hand by a qualified sofer (scribe) on klaf (parchment) — a printed or photocopied scroll does not fulfill the mitzvah. The standards for who may write it and on what are governed by halacha (Yoreh De'ah 288); for any specific question about a scroll's validity, ask your rav.
What is actually written on the mezuzah scroll?
The scroll contains two specific Torah passages, written by hand on one side of the parchment: Shema (Devarim 6:4–9) and Vehaya im shamoa (Devarim 11:13–21). These are the same two parshiyos identified in the Rambam (Hilchos Tefillin uMezuzah 5:1). They are not a prayer the scribe composes — they are fixed verses copied exactly from the Torah.
On the reverse side, opposite the space between the two parshiyos, there is a widespread custom to write the name Sha-dai (שדי). The Rambam (5:4) describes this as a minhag pashut — an established custom — rather than a strict requirement of the law itself. Because every letter matters for a scroll's kashrus, questions about the writing belong with your rav or sofer.
Why is a mezuzah put on the doorpost?
A mezuzah is placed on the doorpost because the Torah commands it directly: "and you shall write them on the doorposts (mezuzos) of your house and on your gates" (Devarim 6:9). Affixing the scroll to the doorway is the physical act that fulfills that mitzvah, which is why it is traditionally the first thing put up in a Jewish home.
In practice, not every doorway carries the same obligation. The doorways of dwellings, courtyards, and similar rooms are obligated (Yoreh De'ah 286:1), while places "not made for dignified dwelling" — such as a bathroom or bathhouse — are not (286:4). Whether a particular room or doorway requires a mezuzah, and whether with a bracha, can depend on details that are subject to dispute, so confirm specific cases with your rav.
What is the difference between the case and the scroll?
The scroll is the mitzvah; the case is only a holder. The handwritten parchment (klaf) inside is what makes a mezuzah a mezuzah — the decorative case is optional, comes in many materials and styles, and is usually sold separately. A beautiful case can hold a printed, invalid scroll, and a plain case can hold a fully kosher one, so the appearance of the case tells you nothing about the kashrus of what is inside.
This distinction matters most when buying. The price and value of a real mezuzah reflect the handwriting — the skill of the sofer and the grade of the script — not the case around it. A mezuzah also remains a meaningful housewarming, new-home, or bar mitzvah gift, marking a lasting mitzvah on the home for someone beginning a new chapter. For how to tell a genuine handwritten scroll from a printed one, see the verification guidance elsewhere on this site.
Common questions
- What are the two passages inside a mezuzah?
- The two passages are Shema (Devarim 6:4–9) and Vehaya im shamoa (Devarim 11:13–21), written by hand on one side of the parchment. They are exact Torah verses, not a composed prayer.
- Does the word mezuzah mean the scroll or the doorpost?
- The word mezuzah literally means "doorpost." In everyday use it refers to the parchment scroll, usually together with the case that protects it, that is affixed to the doorpost.
- Is a printed mezuzah scroll valid?
- No. A kosher mezuzah must be handwritten by a qualified sofer on klaf (parchment). A printed or photocopied scroll does not fulfill the mitzvah, regardless of how it looks. For any specific scroll, ask your rav.
- Is the decorative case part of the mezuzah?
- No. The case is only a holder and is optional. The mitzvah is the handwritten parchment inside. A nice case can hold an invalid scroll, and a plain case can hold a kosher one, so never judge kashrus by the case.
- Why is the name Sha-dai written on a mezuzah?
- There is a widespread custom to write the name Sha-dai (שדי) on the reverse of the scroll, opposite the space between the two passages. The Rambam (5:4) describes this as an established custom rather than a strict requirement of the law itself.