Our kids have enthusiastically embraced the tradition that on holidays they walk the neighborhood to spread the joy and spirit of a holiday, whether it’s Sukkot, Chanukah or sharing the gift of Passover matzah. How do they know which homes are Jewish? Of course, by checking to see if there’s a Mezuzah.
What’s unique about this Mitzvah?
Many Jewish observances take place in the comfort of our homes. Enjoying a Shabbat Kiddush and dinner on Friday night, the women lighting the candles, as well as Torah study and personal prayer, and more, all in the home. But what happens when we leave our home? Does my Jewish identity come with me?
The Mezuzah is uniquely positioned at the threshold between the inside and the outside. It teaches us that our Judaism is not meant to be left behind, limited to the inside. We take it with us into the world.
With antisemitism on the rise, a foreign thought can creep into the Jewish psyche: if I tuck in my Jewish star necklace, remove my Mezuzah or my kippah, maybe I’ll be safer.
That is a mistake, for at least three reasons:
- History shows it doesn’t work. Antisemitism is not about what we wear, it is about who we are. Disguising ourselves never stopped the hatred, it only weakened our own spirit.
- Visibility inspires strength in others. When one Jew proudly walks with a visible Jewish symbol, it sends a ripple of courage to others. Your pride might be exactly what gives someone else the strength to do the same.
- Retreat emboldens the haters. Hiding signals that their intimidation is working. Standing tall with pride sends the opposite message: we are unshaken, and we are here to stay.
In this light, during this season leading up to the New Year, we are extending the offer we recently made. Thanks to a generous friend, anyone who would like to put up a Mezuzah on their home, or add another Mezuzah to an additional doorway, will receive one as a gift from The Shul to help you make it happen.
Let’s take the Mezuzah to heart. When we leave our home, we take our Judaism with us with pride. This is how we live as a “light unto the nations” for all to see.