YAKS* Families Make Mezuzah Cases
At
Neusole Glassworks
656 East McMillan Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The second event of the year for the NHS Y.A.K.S Chavurah was a big hit. Everyone's creativity came out at Neusole Glassworks where we were able to make our own personal mezzuza cases. Jeanne Aronoff spoke about the meaning of mezzuzahs in our homes, and all the parents were so proud of how much their children already understood. This was the first time Neusole Glassworks hosted such and event and they were very excited at our attendance of over 20 people.They welcome us back anytime for more projects like this in the future!

A mezuzah is a case containing a piece of parchment inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One". A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe in Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the knobposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9). The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe (a "sofer stam") who has undergone many years of meticulous training, and the verses are written in black indelible ink with a special quill pen. The parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case.

* "Young Adults, Kids Sometimes" is a Chavurah of NHS members who want to enjoy Judaism with their young families (and sometimes only with adults) in addition to traditional services and Kehilla programs we already offer at NHS-CBA. More...