Judaica Gift Ideas: Mezuzah Cases & Mezuzah Scrolls

Most Jewish homes, whether observant or not, have a small ornament-like object nailed or glued onto the doorframe of the entrance of their home. Known as the Mezuzah, after an ancient Akkadian word "Nazuzu", meaning 'to stand', this object, made from a variety of materials and with Hebrew letters or words inscribed on it, is actually a Mezuzah case which contains a small parchment scroll with biblical inscriptions and prayers that are said by many to be some of the most fundamentally important in the Jewish faith.

The history of Jews being required or commanded to place a Mezuzah on their 'doorposts' goes back all the way to the biblical Book of Deuteronomy when G-d commanded the Children of Israel to inscribe certain religious phases upon the "doorpost" of their homes. Because this commandment was given to the Children of Israel when they were still wandering in the wilderness of Sinai, the tradition was already more than 1,000 years old when described by the Roman Jewish historian Josephus Flavius in his descriptions of religious customs among Jews still living in Palestine.

One of the most important passages written in a Mezuzah is the Shemah Prayer which is so important in the lives of observant Jews that they recite this prayer daily, beginning when they arise in the morning and retire to bed at night. The words of this prayer verse: "Shemah Yisrael, Adonai Elokanu Adonai Ehad" (Hear O'Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One" is virtually the center of the Jewish faith and is so vital to a Jew's physical and spiritual life that it is often the very last words uttered before death. The passage literally "connects" Mankind with the Creator, the One G-d. Another important verse, known as the "V'Havtah", is taken from The Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, verses 4-9, which ends with: "And thou shall write them upon the doorposts of thy house and upon they gates".

It is very important that these biblical words be written by a non-metal quill pen on a piece of parchment, in the same manner as the parchment used in writing of the Torah scrolls, which are found in a Synagogue, the Jewish house of worship. The small Scroll is then enclosed in the Mezuzah Case and then affixed on the doorframe in an angle, with the top portion pointing towards Jerusalem, Judaism's holiest city.

Observant and traditional Jews place a Mezuzah on the doorframe of every room in their house except bathrooms or closets; the reason for being is that G-d commanded them to "write these words" at the entrance of every room they dwelled in. When moving into a new home, it is customary for the male head of the household to attach the Mezuzah while reciting a special prayer: "Blessed art thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has commanded us to affix the Mezuzah". It is considered bad luck to use a Mezuzah that had been attached to the door of a former residence; and while these are carefully removed, it is preferred to bury the scrolls in the same reverent manner as is done for old prayer books that are no longer suitable to be used for prayer. As a sign of reverence for G-d and His holy name, it is customary to touch the Mezuzah and then kiss the fingers that touched it when entering or leaving a home or building upon which a Mezuzah has been placed.

Browse our great selection of handmade Mezuzah Cases and scrolls from Israel.

Jewish Jewelry and the Star of David

The Star of David (Magen David in Hebrew) or the Shield of David, also known as the "Seal of Solomon", is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. With the establishment of the state of Israel the Star of David on the flag of Israel has also become a symbol of Israel. Red Magen David (Red Star Of David) is Israel's only official emergency medical services body, similar to the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

The shape of the Star of David is an example of the hexagram, a symbol which has significance for many beliefs and the use of the hexagram pre-dates the use by Jews. Actually the Star of David is rarely used in Jewish literature and artwork, and it is commonly thought of a new age symbol for Jews. There are some that speculate and attribute theological significance to the symbol combining the upward and lower facing facets of the Star. For the most part there is no real basis or historical fact that supports these theories.

The Star of David began showing up in artwork early on. In "Eshkol Ha Kofer", a literary source, mentions the Shield of David in the middle of the 12th century CE, where seven Shields are used in an amulet for a Mezuzah. It appears to have been in use as part of amulets before it was in use in formal Jewish contexts. Over the years the Star of David has been used in the Menorah and Star of David Necklaces, Bracelets and Handmade Jewelry is very popular the world over. The Hexagram is a Mandala symbol found in ancient Indian temples built thousands of years ago. It symbolizes the "Nara-Narayana", or perfect meditative state of balance between man and God, and results in "Moksa", or "Nirvana" (release from the bounds of the earthly world). Some researchers have theorized that the Star of David represents the astrological chart at the time of David's Birth or anointment as king. The Star of David is also known as the "King's Star".

There are various versions of "Kabbalah" and the Star of David, arranging the Ten spheres in it, and placing it on Amulets. In terms of the Kabbalah (Book of Zohar), the Star of David symbolizes the six directions of space plus the center: Up, Down, East, West, South, North, and Center.

The popular folk tale has it that the Star of David is literally modeled after the shield of the young Israelite David (later to be King David). The Star of David can be found on the tombstones of religious Jews going back hundreds of years in Europe. Use by Christians; most Christians, especially independent Anglicans, Baptists, and other Protestant are supportive of the nation of Israel, and, one may see the Star of David or other Jewish symbols in their churches, and Stained Glass windows. The first appearance of the symbol in Jewish scriptures was in oriental Kabbalistic writings.

The Star of David is also used by Arabs, the Arabs and Muslims were interested in arithmetics, and strongly drawn to biblical tales. One of the most important persons in Arab literature was King Solomon and it is possible the King Solomon Seal was altered in the Arab tales. The Islamic Turkish beyliks of the Karamanid Dynasties used the Star of David on their flag, even today, the Star can be found in Mosques and on other Arabic artifacts.
Six pointed Stars have also been found in cosmological diagrams in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Our large selection of Judaica Gifts includes Bat Mitzvah Gifts, Bar Mitzvah Gifts, Jewish Wedding Gifts, Menorahs and Mezuzah Cases that all include the Star of David.

This is a quick selection of some Jewish Jewelry by the Israeli artists Ester Shahaf, Michal David, MIZZE and Laly:

Teel Hanging Star of David (Laly)

Turquoise Star of David Anklet (MIZZE)

Small Star of David Necklace (Ester Shahaf)

Leather Star Of David Kabbalah Bracelet (Ester Shahaf)

Star Of David Wall Decoration (Michal David)

Hand Made Star of David Necklace & Earrings Set (Ester Shahaf)

Silver Solomon Seal Necklace (King Solomon Legend)

Gold Star of David Necklace (Ester Shahaf)

Hanging Star of David Turquoise (Laly)

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