B"H
Thursday, Menachem Av 11, 5777 / August 3, 2017
This Shabbat, the first Shabbat after the fast of Tisha B’Av, is Parshat Va’etchanan. This Shabbat is also called ‘Shabbat Nachmu” – “Shabbat of comfort,” due to the fact that the Haftorah this Shabbat speaks about comfort for the Jewish people, as it comes after the fast of Tisha B’Av, when we remember the destruction of the Holy Temple.
In this Parsha we find the “Shma Yisrael” – “Hear O Israel, G-d is our G-d, G-d is One.” In this Parsha Moshe repeats the Ten Commandments, with slight variations.
We also read about the mitzvah (commandment) of Mezuzah. The Mezuzah is affixed to each door post (except bathrooms etc.) of a Jewish home. It consists of two passages of the Torah.
The Mezuzah must be written by a competent and G-d fearing scribe complying with Halachic specifications. The Mezuzah is not the casing. It is the written parchment inside the casing. Unfortunately, many people will buy an expensive case, but overlook the fact that the actual Mezuzah-insert may not be kosher.
Q. What is the meaning of the word Mezuzah?
A. "Mezuzah" means "door-post" for the Mezuzah is placed on the door-post. Also, the Hebrew word "Mezuzot" (plural) found in this Parsha, if rearranged the letters can spell the two words, "zaz mavet" which means "pushing away death."
Thus, a kosher Mezuzah acts as protection even to the extent of saving from death! In Psalms King David says, "G-d shall protect your exit and your entry from now and forever." Our sages say that this applies to the Mezuzah. It acts as a shield and protects us, not only when we are inside the home but also when we go out.
In time, the letters on a Mezuzah may fade or crack, which renders the Mezuzah not kosher. Thus, it must be checked at least twice in seven years. Many people have their Mezuzot checked each year.
Q. Why are the letters "Shin, Daled, Yud," written on the outside of the Mezuzah parchment?
A.These three letters are one of G-d’s names. The reason this name is used is because these letter serves as an acronym for the words, "Shomer Daltei Yisrael" - "G-d watches over the doors of Israel."
The Talmud tells the following wonderful story: A special friendship existed between King Antoninus and Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi (known as Rebbi). Once, King Antoninus sent Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi a precious stone as a gift. In return Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi sent him a Mezuzah.
Antoninus was puzzled: "I sent you such an expensive gift and you send me a piece of parchment?"
Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi replied, "Your gift, I will always have to guard to make sure that no one steals it. But my gift to you, the Mezuzah, will watch over you and protect you at all times!"
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY
*** NEXT TORAH FAX, G-D WILLING, IN TWO WEEKS ***
*** NEXT TORAH FAX, G-D WILLING, IN TWO WEEKS ***