MEZUZOTH Meaning and
Definition
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Mezuzoth (also spelled Mezuzot) is a Hebrew term that refers to the plural form of "mezuzah," which translates to "doorpost" or "doorway" in English. In Jewish tradition, a mezuzah is a small rolled-up parchment scroll containing biblical verses that is affixed to the doorframes of Jewish homes.
The tradition of placing mezuzoth on doorposts originates from the commandment found in the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21) which instructs Jewish people to inscribe the words of these verses onto their doorposts and gates. The parchment used for a mezuzah is carefully written by a skilled scribe (a sofer), who meticulously transcribes the Hebrew verses on animal skin using special ink.
The mezuzah is then rolled up and placed in a decorative case, sometimes made of wood, metal, or glass, and attached to the right side of the doorframe, ideally at an angle with the top pointing inward toward the room. Upon entering or leaving a room, observant Jews often touch or kiss the mezuzah as a sign of respect and acknowledgement of God's presence and protection.
Apart from its religious significance, mezuzoth also serve as visual reminders of Jewish identity and values within the home. It symbolizes the Jewish people's commitment to their faith and serves as a physical and spiritual link to their ancestral heritage.
Common Misspellings for MEZUZOTH
Etymology of MEZUZOTH
The word "Mezuzoth" is derived from the Hebrew root word "z-z" (ז-ז), which means "to mark" or "to set apart". In Hebrew, the plural form of a word is often formed by adding the suffix "-oth" to the singular noun. Therefore, "Mezuzoth" is the plural form of "Mezuzah", which means "doorpost" or "doorframe" in Hebrew.
The term "Mezuzah" specifically refers to a small parchment scroll that contains verses from the Torah (Jewish holy scripture) and is placed inside a decorative case, called a "Mezuzah", and affixed to the doorframe of Jewish homes.
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