Home
f i v e  o b j e c t s

The Jewish home, while appearing like the homes of the surrounding community, nevertheless has certain unique and defining features and artifacts. As one approaches the doorway of the Jewish house, there will be a parchment scroll inside of a small container affixed on the right side of the doorpost. This is called a mezuzah, a Hebrew word that originally meant doorpost. It is written twice in the Torah (Exodus 12:7 and Deuteronomy 6:9 and 11:20): “And ye shall write them [the words of God] upon the mezuzot of thy house and in thy gates.” On the parchment, which must be from a kosher animal, are written the above words from Deuteronomy. On the reverse side is the name of the Almighty, and the initials standing for “Guardian of the doors of Israel” appear in small letters so they can be seen through an aperture cut into the case. A mezuzah is to be affixed to the doorway of every living room excluding storage rooms, stables, and lavatories. It is also to be placed on the entrance of public buildings and synagogues. When leaving the house, the very observant customarily touch the lips with the fingers and then touch the mezuzah.
more

            Every practicing Jewish family will need to have candlesticks, kiddush cups, a hallah cover, hanukkiah, memorial candles, and the artifacts for the havdalah service. In addition, they may choose to have a zedakah box, as charity is considered to be one of the pillars upon which Judaism rests. More than charity, it is defined as a righteous act and implies piety. In the liturgy of the High Holy Days, zedakah along with repentance and prayer is said to “avert the evil decree [death].” The orthodox Jew requires ritual hand-washing pitchers, cups, and bowls to be used upon waking and before eating any meal during which bread is served.

            Personal choice and taste may extend to such items as the display of a ketubbah, shivviti, or mizrah on the wall. The kitchen may include many utility gadgets, such as a special hallah knife and tray, a wine decanter, and two sets of all cooking and eating utensils so as to separate meat from dairy meals as dictated by the laws of kashrut. The book cases of the Jewish home will contain the Torah, weekday and holiday prayers, benchers (prayer pamphlets), and most likely special cookbooks.