mezuzah

Meaning

Noun

• A piece of parchment inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21) and attached in a case to the doorpost of a house, in accordance with the mitzvah (Biblical commandment as interpreted in Jewish law) to "write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9).

Origin

• From post-Biblical Hebrew מְזוּזָה ("doorpost"), with reference to Deuteronomy 6:9.