It is often said that ‘Home is where the heart is’ and nothing could be more true of the ethos of Judaism. It provides not just the knowledge of one’s faith but also the place where it is practiced and therefore the basis of Jewish identity. It is a well known fact that Jewish family life is closely knit and sacred.
The Jewish Home
Symbolism within the home as well as prayer, education and other religious practices carried out there support the beliefs and attitudes of our Jewish worship.
The Mezzuzah – (Hebrew – Doorpost)
This is the small box found on the upper right hand side of the front door frame, leaning inwards.
It must be at reachable height and some homes will also have one on each inside door frame as well, except the bathroom and toilet, where it is deemed disrespectful.
The Mezzuzah is an outward sign of God’s presence and is a reminder of our faith every time we go in and out of the house. It is also symbolises the protection and sanctification of the home.
The box itself may be made of any material and often has the Hebrew letter ‘Shin’ on the front – see above on photo – this is the abbreviation of one of God’s names, Shaddai, meaning The Almighty.
Inside it contains a small piece of rolled up parchment on which a Sofer will have handwritten the Shema (pronounced ‘Sh’MA with emphasis on the final syllable).
The Shema is our most important prayer – it is an emphatic praise of God and it tells us we must love God with our whole being. We must teach this to our children, repeat it throughout the day and even ‘wear’ reminders of this prayer on our head and hand (or arm) – hence the Tefillin. (See How and Why Jews Pray).
The final words of the Shema say “You shall write these words on the doorposts of your house, and on your gates”.
It is customary to either touch or kiss the Mezzuzah on entering or leaving the house, whilst reciting the Shema.
On moving house, the Mezzuzah is taken off and is fixed onto the new front door and then blessed. This then makes the house a Jewish home.
Home Practices.
There will be other ritual objects in the home which are used during daily prayer and Shabbat worship. These include Prayer books and Prayer clothes, Jewish Tablecloth, Shabbat candlesticks, Kiddish Cup, Challah Cloth and board, Havdalah candle, Spice Box, Tzedakah Box etc.(see How and Why Jews Pray and Shabbat).
For festival celebrations artefacts include the Seder Plate, Matzah cloth, Chanuciah, Dreidel, Purim masks and greggors, Apple and Honey dishes etc. (see Articles on Passover, Chanucah, Purim, The High Holy Days).
Food is important part of practicing Judaism in the home – not only the weekly Challah bread and traditional Shabbat meals but also making the symbolic festival foods such as Charoset and special cakes for Passover, cheesecake for Shavuot and Latkes and doughnuts for Chanucah. (See Traditional Festival Recipes).
Some families will practice Kashrut (the dietary laws) which brings the worship of God into everyday physical life and are a constant reminder of His Commandments.
Summary
Family life of course centres around the home and Judaism is brought into it from the very front door. During the week and especially at Shabbat and festivals, rituals take place which constantly reinforce our faith.