Inside a Jewish HomeSheron Gershelis

November 20, 2013Anthropology 102Dr. LeannaWolfe

A mezuzah is a daily reminder and a public statement of Jewish identity and faith

Its referred to a scroll of parchment containing biblical verses, placed on the doorpost

The mezuzah recalls the Exodus from Egypt, when the lamb's blood smeared on the doorpost "identified" the Jewish homes that God passed over during the plague of the first born

From that day forward, the mezuzah has always identified a home as being Jewish

This is placed on every doorpost inside the entire household

Mezuzah

The Star of David

The six points represent God's absolute rule over the universe in all six directions - north, south, east, west, up and down

It is also believed that the triangles represent a human’s dual nature – good and evil – and that the star could be used as protection against evil spirits

The structure of the star, with two overlapping triangles, has also been thought to represent the relationship between God and the Jewish people

The star that points up symbolizes God and the star that points down represents us here on earth

It is placed all around the house to protect the family and the house in general and make sure no one in the household receives the evil eye

The Yamakah (Kippah)

Depending on how religious one is, a kippah is worn on every holiday, shabbat, and at the temple (some people wear it 24 hours of the day unless they are sleeping)

The kippot are kept in different places of the house depending on where the family finds it convenient (such as a kitchen, a prayer room, bedroom)

An average family will have about 20-30 kippot because at bar mitzvahs it is usually given out as a party favor

When a family is having guests over they usually will provide the guests with the kippot worn for the night

The Yamakah (Kippah)

Hamsa

Palm-shaped amulet depicting the right open hand

Used as a sign of protection and defense against the evil eye

It is mainly used on walls for the protection of the home, or worn on a person for their protection

The Hamsa represents the hand of G-d

The five fingers stand for the five books of the Torah

Kiddush CupThe Kiddush cup is a decorated wine vessel into which the blessings comes

Kiddush is the prayer recited over a cup of wine in the home and synagogue on the eve of the Sabbath, festivals, weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Bris and baby namings before the start of the meal

Kiddush cups are elaborately decorated and might display one's family emblem, Jerusalem, Shabbat prayers, or an engraved name and date

Elijah’s cup, a special kiddush cup, is used at the Passover seder - the cup is filled but no one drinks from it

TefillinTefillin are two small leather boxes that contain verses from the Torah

One box is placed on the head and the other on the arm, both held down by leather straps

Observant men and boys, who have had their Bar Mitzvahs, usually wear the teffilin during morning prayers

Women do not take part in this prayer routine

HaggadahThis book is read throughout the seven days of Passover

It is primarily referred to the Exodus from Egypt after many years of slavery

It refers to the fact that G-d “passed over” the houses when he was slaying the first born of Egypt

It also has to do with a lamb, the offering giving at temple on Passover

It contains songs, different prayer rituals, and prayers all pertaining to each day of the holiday