mezuzah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “mezuzah” mean?
A small parchment scroll inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah, placed in a case and affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes as a sign of faith and observance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small parchment scroll inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah, placed in a case and affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes as a sign of faith and observance.
Refers both to the parchment itself (klaf) and the decorative case that houses it. It serves as a constant reminder of God's presence and the covenant, and is also believed to offer protection to the household.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The item and practice are identical in Jewish communities in both regions.
Connotations
Carries identical religious and cultural connotations in both UK and US English.
Frequency
Frequency is equally low in both variants, confined to discussions of Judaism, religious practice, or cultural descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “mezuzah” in a Sentence
[Someone] affixes/checks/kisses the mezuzah on [something].The mezuzah is on/affixed to the doorpost.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mezuzah” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Before moving in, they made sure a qualified scribe had prepared their new mezuzah.
- The custom is to lightly touch the mezuzah upon entering the room.
American English
- They bought a stylish stainless steel mezuzah for their front door.
- According to tradition, the mezuzah should be inspected twice every seven years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, or cultural history texts discussing Jewish rituals and symbols.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities or when explaining the practice to others. Uncommon in general secular conversation.
Technical
In Jewish law (Halakha), refers precisely to the object fulfilling specific scriptural and rabbinic requirements regarding its creation, text, and placement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mezuzah”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mezuzah”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɛzjuːzə/ (with a 'y' sound).
- Using it as a plural (the plural is 'mezuzot' or Anglicized 'mezuzahs').
- Referring to the case alone as the mezuzah without understanding it contains the scroll.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it is not typically capitalised unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It contains handwritten Hebrew verses from Deuteronomy (6:4-9 and 11:13-21), including the Shema prayer, affirming the oneness of God.
It is affixed to the right-hand doorpost as one enters, typically in the upper third of the post, at a slight angle.
No, the term 'mezuzah' strictly refers to the parchment scroll (klaf). The decorative container is a 'mezuzah case'. However, in common usage, the entire object is often called a mezuzah.
It is a near-universal practice in observant Jewish homes. Many non-observant or culturally Jewish homes may also have one as a symbol of identity.
A small parchment scroll inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah, placed in a case and affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes as a sign of faith and observance.
Mezuzah is usually formal, religious in register.
Mezuzah: in British English it is pronounced /mɛˈzuːzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈzuːzə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Z' on the doorpost – the mezuzah is 'on the Z' (sounds like 'on the za' in mezuzah).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MEZUZAH IS A GUARDIAN/SENTINEL (e.g., 'The mezuzah watches over the home'). THE MEZUZAH IS A REMINDER/BADGE OF IDENTITY (e.g., 'The mezuzah proclaims the Jewish identity of the household').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a mezuzah in Jewish tradition?