The blessing recited when affixing a mezuzah to a doorpost is:
In Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לִקְבּוֹעַ מְזוּזָה.
Transliteration: Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu likboa mezuzah.
Translation: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix the mezuzah.”
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Tradition and History of the Mezuzah
Biblical Origins
The mezuzah is a direct commandment from the Torah, specifically from the Shema prayer in Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21:
“Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” These verses are inscribed on parchment and enclosed within the mezuzah.
Purpose
The mezuzah serves as a physical reminder of God’s presence and a symbol of faith in daily life. Touching or kissing it acknowledges gratitude to God and His protection.
The Tradition
When entering or leaving the home, individuals often touch the mezuzah and kiss their fingers, saying “Shaddai” (one of God’s names, written on the mezuzah case) or a short prayer like Psalm 121:8: “The Lord guards your going out and your coming in from now and forever.”
The mezuzah is affixed on the right side of the doorpost, at an angle, with the top pointing inward toward the home.
Historical Practice
The tradition dates back to ancient Israel and has been maintained through Jewish exile and diaspora. It reflects a covenant with God and serves as a declaration of faith.
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When and Why to Say the Blessing
When: The blessing is said while affixing the mezuzah to a new home or replacing a damaged one.
Why: The act fulfills the commandment (mitzvah) and consecrates the home as a place of divine presence.
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