Tuesday 10 April 2012

ABC Wednesday, M for Mezuzah

The Jerusalem Great Synagogue

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar . This week we are looking for words beginning with M.


In the Jerusalem Great Synagogue we saw several showcases displaying all kind of mezuzot. We saw the most beautifully decorated ones fit for the doorposts of palaces.
Wikipedia says:"A mezuzah (Hebrew: מְזוּזָה‎ "doorpost"; plural: מְזוּזוֹת mezuzot) is a piece of parchment (often contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One"

A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe in Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the doorposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9). The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe (a "sofer stam") who has undergone many years of meticulous training, and the verses are written in black indelible ink with a special quill pen. The parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case."

The last one is mine!! But it has no parchment.





25 comments:

Shooting Parrots said...

A most beautiful memento!

anthonynorth said...

Excellent and informative as always.

Gattina said...

Very interesting !

Leslie: said...

Wow! What stunning pieces!

Leslie
abcw team

Sylvia K said...

Yes, Anthony is right, Wil! Such an excellent and informative post it is! Thank you again for sharing your wonderful trip to Israel!! Hope your week is going well!

Sylvia

Carver said...

Magnificent post for M day. Very interesting information and such good photographs too. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team

Brenda said...

I would love to go to Israel. Thank you for sharing your trip with us...as I always enjoy your informative posts.

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

Great post! My brother was bar-mitzvahed in the Great Synagogue many, many years ago! It is an inspiring place.

IF you're still in Jerusalem and want a photographic treat, there is an incredible photography gallery by world renowned photographer Neil Folberg (a student of Ansel Adams) that is worth a visit. I believe it is called Vision Gallery and well worth a trip.

Love your posts and hope you continue to enjoy your stay in Israel.

mrsnesbitt said...

I love the way jerusalem becomes ours on a Wednesday - thanks again and for your time for ABC.
Great to have you on the team.
Denise ABC Team

Jane and Chris said...

I have always wanted to visit Israel. My Dad and my hubby made it there..but me? Not YET!
Jane x

Joy said...

So many beautiful designs, nice to browse while choosing one as a memory.

Barbara Martin said...

Wil, thank you for an informative post and wonderful photos to illustrate. Beautiful.

Barbara said...

Thank you for sharing - very interesting, I learn something every day!

George said...

Thanks for this informative post with the beautiful mezuzah.

Roger Owen Green said...

most interesting tradition
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I watched on our TV, BBC program of 23 week weeks, very heart breaking. In UK, 23 weeks of a baby's gestation is when they have to save a baby, but the results in now good. They research in Holland, they don't save 23 weeks.

photowannabe said...

So beautiful Wil.
You were so fortunate to be able to view all of those. I really like your personal one too.

Hildred said...

Magnificent. The Shema Yisrael is a prayer that we occasionally use in the Anglican Church (at least the one I attend...)

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Mezuzah-it has such a nice sound to it. What a great word and concept! And, what a magnificent collection!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

These artifats, are they gold or gold plated?

Penelope Notes said...

A fantastic choice for “M”! This word has a nice ring to it and is not one I hear every day. There is a sense of mystery and deep history about seeing the original artifacts. The last one at your home is a treasure of memories all its own. :)

Lisa said...

That would be a fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing the information and wonderful pics.

Carol said...

Wonderful photos of all the mezuzot! They are beautiful.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Very exquisite!

Little MISSES
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Ann said...

Thank you all these fantastic shots in Jersualem. I would love to go there some day.
Ann