Mezuzah booklet by Aimee Golant

The Mezuzah

By: Aimee Golant ÂŠ2016 http://aimeegolant.com 3931 Alemany Blvd, Suite 2003 -136 San Francisco, CA 94132 415-682-7128 info@aimeegolant.com

This is an exploration of the meaning, interpretation, teaching and practice of the mezuzah. The word mezuzah means doorpost. It is an ancient Jewish tradition to put sacred words (in the form of a very specific scroll) on the doorposts of our homes as a reminder that the home is a sanctuary-- a sacred safe haven. It also reminds you as you leave your home to uphold these teachings out into the world. The mezuzah helps create a faith practice that is not limited to a specific holy site, like a temple, but also in our day to day lives— at home. It is part of keeping transitions from outside world and inside world infused with holy thought and intention. What is written on the scroll is the core teaching in Judaism paired down to one paragraph-- called the S'hma and V'ahavta, which are found in the Torah-- in Deuteronomy. The first of the "Jewish values" handwritten in Hebrew on the parchment scroll are a call to listen and understand that we are all one. Then we are instructed in the writings to love kindness, to treat all things with truth and compassion, to care for the earth and everything that dwells upon it, and to teach these values to your children and your children's children. According to the teaching, if we uphold this, our lives will be well nurtured, peace and justice will prevail and there will be protection for the soul. It is my wish to share the meaning of the mezuzah to “spread the love” with people regardless of religious affiliation, and open the door to Judaism one mezuzah at a time.

Traditional Translation

Modern Interpretation

From: Like a Reed, The Message of the Mezuzah by: Yehuda Cahn

From: Book of Blessings by: Marcia Falk

Listen Israel, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is one. You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them to your children and speak about them when you sit at home, walk about, lie down, or get up. You shall tie them as a symbol on your arm and as a headpiece between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorways of your house and on your gates. If you obey the percepts which I command you today to love the L-rd your G-d and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul, then I will give rain to your land in its season, the fall and spring rains, and you will collect your grain, wine, and oil. I will give grass in your field for your cattle. You will eat and be satisfied. Guard yourselves, or your hearts will persuade you to turn from Me and worship false things and bow to them. Then G-d's anger will burn against you and He will stop up the skies so that there will be no rain. The land will yield no produce and you will perish from the good land which G-d gave you. You shall place these words in your heart and in your soul. You shall tie them as a symbol on your arm and as a headpiece between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children and speak about them when you sit at home, walk about, lie down, or get up. You shall tie them as a symbol on your arm and as a headpiece between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorways of your house and on your gates so that your days and the days of your children may be increased upon the land which G-d swore to give to your fathers for as long as the sky remains over the earth. Deuteronomy 11:13 ÂŠ2016 http://aimeegolant.com 3931 Alemany Blvd, Suite 2003 -136 San Francisco, CA 94132 415-682-7128 info@aimeegolant.com

How do I traditionally affix a mezuzah? Attach the mezuzah case to the right-hand side of the doorpost. Hang it about 8" from the top of the frame, at a 45 degree angle, with the top facing toward the inside of the house or room. Mezuzot may be hung on inside and outside doors. Do not hang the mezuzah on bathrooms or closets. Before attaching the mezuzah to the doorpost, say this blessing:

Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu, likboa mezuzah. Blessed art Thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

ÂŠ2016 http://aimeegolant.com 3931 Alemany Blvd, Suite 2003 -136 San Francisco, CA 94132 415-682-7128 info@aimeegolant.com

What does the scroll look like?

Why is the letter Shin on the front of the Mezuzah Case? Shin is the 21st Letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. On the Mezuzah case it represents "Shaddai," which is one way of saying G-d in Hebrew. The root of the word Shaddai is Shad— which means breast, but is also symbolic of the ‘Nurturer.’Love and nurturing are a value that should always be found at home, so this name of G-d is appropriate. Shaddai has also been said to represents the protective aspect of G-d. On the reverse side of the parchment G-d's name Shaddai is written. This name can be interpreted as an acronym for Shomer Daltot Yisrael: "Guardian of the houses of Israel." Since the mezuzah is meant as a protection, the letter Shin is used. ©2016 http://aimeegolant.com 3931 Alemany Blvd, Suite 2003 -136 San Francisco, CA 94132 415-682-7128 info@aimeegolant.com

Why is the mezuzah attached to the right side of the doorpost? Although there may be many theories on the origins of this tradition, from a Kabbalistic perspective, the right side represents unconditional love, while the left signifies judgment. The tradition of the mezuzah falls within the realm of unconditional love and is therefore placed on the right.

On which doorposts should the mezuzah be placed? According to Jewish law all entrances to your home, including ones that are seldom used, must have a mezuzah. And, any interior door that you walk though may also have a mezuzah except for bathrooms and closets.

Why is the mezuzah affixed at an angle? Although there may be many theories on the origin of this tradition, some have said that the mezuzah should be attached vertically. Others thought, horizontally was better. As a compromise, and as an acknowledgment that G-d is everywhere the mezuzah is affixed at a 45degree angle. Why do some people kiss the mezuzah? Kissing the mezuzah on the way into your home is a way of reminding yourself just how much has been given to you by G-d, and how many blessings you have inside your home. It reminds you to stay grateful and keep your home a sanctuary. Kissing the mezuzah on the way out, is a way to remind yourself to take G-d with you throughout the day.

I am not Jewish, but I like the teaching of the mezuzah. Is it okay for me to have one? YES, enjoy it and may it help infuse your days with loving kindness. ÂŠ2016 http://aimeegolant.com 3931 Alemany Blvd, Suite 2003 -136 San Francisco, CA 94132 415-682-7128 info@aimeegolant.com

About the Artist

Brief Bio:  Aimee Golant is a sixth generation metal artist who’s ‘Oneness Project’ has been endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Pope Francis. She has been voted Best Jewish Artisan Craftsperson in San Francisco since 2010 by the readers of the “J. Jewish News Weekly.” Some of Aimee Golant’s notable artistic projects include: creating the crown for the Women’s Torah Project, creating mezuzahs for two Space Shuttle missions and for the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Aimee lives in San Francisco with her husband David Casella and son Kaleb. Vision:  When I started metalsmithing, it was as if I took the tools out of my back pocket. It felt right. Clearly this was something I was meant to do-- all the time. I was using my grandparents’ story of survival in the Holocaust for a paper in a university class on the Holocaust and Genocide when my grandfather started giving me his tools. With the help of a wonderful metal arts teacher the idea for my first mezuzahs came into being. They had flames, jail bars, and barbed wire on them, yet they preserved an important Jewish tradition that I was able to share. In making those pieces and explaining them to the class, I felt the importance of understanding our oneness-- we all breathe, we all bleed, we all experience pleasure and pain. Historically, organized religion has not brought us together. Yet, there are tools in each religion that have value to any human regardless of faith. I want to share Torah so that anyone can use its gifts, which I believe will help soften the lines that separate us. This art is not about converting people to Judaism; this is about understanding that we can all use the vibration of the Torah to raise our resonance, to lift ourselves, to come into peace and harmony with ourselves and the world. The word Israel means: one who has come through a challenging experience while maintaining love in their heart. This is the spirit of the Israel that I envision in the world and the one I wish to share through my art.

How do I make a mezuzah case out of metal? I start with an idea and a drawing. I usually cut a plastic die that I press softened sheets of copper or silver into. I often use wire and strips of metal to make borders around the design. Here is an example of what that process might look like: