The mezuzah (plural – mezuzot) is a piece of dried skin of a kosher (conforming to Jewish Law) animal upon which are written two sections from the Bible: one section from Parashat "Shema Israel" – (Deuteronomy 6, Love the LORD Your God), and the other from Deutronomy 11. The skin is then rolled like a scroll, inserted into a mezuzah cover or case, and attached to the right side of the doorframe. This mitzvah (commandment) originates from Deuteronomy 6:9 – "Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

Observant Jews recite the verse "Shema Israel…" (Deuteronomy 6: 4) multiple times during the day and night. It contains the basic essence of being Jewish: maintaining constant contact with the Creator all throughout the day, in every thought and action.

The person who writes the mezuzah is called a "Sofer sTaM." "S" for Sifrei Torah (Bible books), "T" for Tefilin (a set of small cubic leather boxes painted black, containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, with leather straps dyed black on one side, and worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers), and "M" for Mezuzot.

For Jews the mezuzah is a reminder of their unique mission in Creation and their faith in the Creator. The mezuzah symbolizes the Creator's providence over the Children of Israel and their homes. On the back side of the mezuza, the scribe writes the name "Shadai" (one of the names of God). It is also the initials of "Shomer Daltot Israel" (Guardian of the doors of Israel).

When one is about to fulfill the commandment of setting a mezuzah he will need the following:

1) A kosher mezuzah scroll for each one of the rooms in the house or office that require one.

2) A mezuzah cover or case to insert the mezuzah into. The size is not significant, but it should be big enough to cover the entire scroll.

3) A measuring tape and a pencil to mark the mezuzah's location.

4) A hammer, nails or screws, or a double-sided sticky tape.

5) A Sidur – (a Jewish prayer book, containing a set order of daily prayers) or a note with the Blessing of the Mezuzah (a blessing which is read out while installing the mezuzah).

Next article: The Mitzvah of the Mezuzah - Part 2: Which Rooms Need a Mezuzah?