Mezzuzoh Connection
February 5, 2023
The Mezzuzoh is a permanent fixture, on every Jewish doorpost, of every room, in every home. Besides serving as a protective force, it reminds us, that the room we dwell in, needs to be treated as a Holy place. That Hashem’s Presence is there and that He is watching over us.
Our custom is to kiss the Mezzuzoh. Sometimes we remember and show our love and appreciation for the Mitzvah and sometimes we forget. No matter, the Mezzuzoh is always around, guarding our way, in and out.
On many occasions I had the special opportunity to find myself in the company of my esteemed Rebbe, HoRav HaGoan Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg ZT”L. Whenever he stayed in my home and wherever we traveled, I always marveled, how upon entering a dwelling, he would first stop at the Mezzuzoh, look at it, absorb it’s meaning, kiss it and only then walk in. You could see, how significant the Mitzvah was to him, just by observing his entry. Honoring and observing the Mitzvah meant much more then just mounting it and forgetting about it. It was not just some symbolic decoration adorning a Jewish doorpost. It deserved more then just a casual wave. To him, Mitzvas Mezzuzoh was a constant service, an opportunity to connect to Hashem. Seeing the Mezzuzah, motivated him to express gratitude to Hashem, for arriving safely at his destination. A spiritual connection took place between him and Hashem, at every departure and arrival.
The words we recite in ויתן לך, after Shabbos is over, “ברוך אתה בבואך וברוך אתה בצאתך”. blessed are you when you arrive and blessed are you when you leave, meanth something. It was not just words to be taken for granted.
Oh, how I wish, I could kiss the Mezzuzoh the way the Rosh Hayeshiva did.
The Mezzuzoh is mounted slanted. Ever wonder why?
Our Sages had a difference of opinion, as to the proper mounting position. There were those that held, the requirement called for mounting it horizontally, while others were of the opinion, that a Mezzuzoh should be mounted vertically. At the end of the day, they compromised and in the process, taught us a lesson, on how to resolve differences.
Now when we enter our homes and kiss the Mezzuzoh, the slanted position reminds us, how important it is to compromise and exercise flexability at home.
If by chance we forget to, the slanted Mezzuzoh is right there to remind us, on every doorpost and in every room, calling out, compromise, be flexible.
How fortunate are we, the Jewish People, to have been given this Mitzvah. Wherever we go and wherever we turn, it is there, reminding us of our special stature and connection to Hashem. He is always around us, watching us and protecting us. Lucky us.
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