The Mezuzah in Judaism
By admin | September 1, 2009
Why is the Mezuzah Important in Judaism?
The mezuzah is a small, decorative wall hanging that includes within it a prayer scroll. Most people know this and can recognize one, but why is the mezuzah so important in Judaism?
The scroll within the mezuzah has the words of the Shema, or the Shema Yisrael on it, which is one of the more important prayers in the Jewish faith. The prayer talks about always remembering the words of God and honoring them at all times. It’s a prayer of recognition that God is the one and only God, and that you are devoted towards recognizing that and following him.
In addition, the mezuzah also represents a very important event during the exodus from Egypt of the Jewish people. The Jews were instructed by God to paint a streak of lamb’s blood down the front of the door frame. The lamb’s blood would be a sign to God to protect the inhabitants inside. Specifically, the lamb’s blood would protect the first born child, who would otherwise be slaughtered as a result of the final plague that God cast upon the Egyptian people. The occasion is remembered during the Jewish holiday of Passover, recalling that the Jewish homes were passed over by the angels of death.
A mezuzah is hung on the doorframes of Jewish homes to protect the inhabitants and to honor God at all times. Many homes only hang a mezuzah on the front door of the house, while many other Jewish families hang a mezuzah on every doorframe within the house. The exterior of the mezuzah features the Hebrew letter Shin, which is the first letter of God’s unspoken name. The mezuzah is hung at an angle on the door frame and there are very specific guidelines for creating them properly.
Wearing Mezuzah Pendants
As explained above, the mezuzah always contains the passage of the Torah known as the Shema. This is a very important prayer which basically symbolizes one’s devotion and reverence to God. By hanging the mezuzah on the doorframes of your home, you are always reminded of God’s presence and of his words. In fact, each time you enter or exit a room you are supposed to touch the mezuzah and then kiss your fingertips as a sign of this respect and devotion.
By wearing a mezuzah pendant you are taking that a step further by always keeping God with you. A mezuzah pendant allows you to constantly show the world your belief in the one true God, and your devotion to him. In times when you may need guidance or instruction, you can touch the mezuzah pendant to try to find answers or peace of mind. If you ever want to make a prayer to God but don’t know the right words, you can turn to the mezuzah, symbolizing the Shema and your respect and acknowledgement of God.
Mezuzahs don’t have to be restricted to the doorframes of your home. Bring one with you all the time with a mezuzah pendant to continually showcase your love and devotion to God. The mezuzah is a hugely important symbol of the Jewish faith, and keeping one with you is a fantastic way to keep everything it symbolizes with you at all times.
Some additional Jewish jewelry resources…
http://www.chainzonline.com/silver-magen-david-pendants.html
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Topics: Judaism | No Comments »
Jerusalem, the Holy Land and Judaism
By DaveS | July 22, 2009
Jerusalem is one of the holiest cities on the planet. The city has been in existence for well over 5,000 years and has been the focus of both religious devotion and intense and violent conflict centered on religious ideals. Jerusalem is not only an important city for Judaism, but it is also an important city in the Christian and Muslim faiths. This multifaceted importance is the main reason why the city has been constantly fought over throughout history.
The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque comprise the Noble Sanctuary and is the third most important location in the world for Islam. Among other important properties, the Islamic faith records that it is here where Muhammad journeyed and then ascended towards heaven. In Christianity, the same location is believed to be where Jesus was crucified, buried and then resurrected. Today, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre resides in this location.
The importance of Jerusalem as the Holy Land for Judaism extends back even farther, to at least the 10th century B.C.E. That’s over 3,000 years that Judaism has laid claim to Jerusalem as being its holiest location, an extraordinarily long period of time and a full 1,000 years before Christianity’s emergence. The history of the Jewish people in the region now known as Israel, formerly known as Canaan, extends far beyond that as well.
Jerusalem was the location of the first Temple, built in the 10th century BCE which was subsequently destroyed several hundred years later by the Babylonians. The Temple was the holiest prayer location for the Jewish faith and its sole place of sacrifice. The Temple was rebuilt as the Second Temple, which would also eventually be destroyed, this time by the Romans in the year 70. The Jewish faith also believes that one day the Third and final Temple will be built in this same location.
Today what remains of the Temple is the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. It is not a wall of the Temple itself, but rather is a wall from the large Temple platform or Temple Mount on which the Temple was built. It is a location of extreme importance to the Jewish faith, and pilgrimages are made there to not only mourn the destruction of the Temples but also to connect with God in general and to mourn for anything else.
The Temples were constructed in this location in Jerusalem because it is supposed to be the most holy location in the Jewish faith, making Jerusalem and the surrounding country the true Holy Land. It is believed that in this location the world actually began, it is where it was essentially built from scratch and where God created Adam. Additionally, it is believed that this specific location is where God chose to permanently keep his name and presence, known as the Shekhinah.
It can be hard to believe that the three major monotheistic religions on the planet all lay claim to the exact same location as being one of the most important, or the most important, to their religious lore. However, when one considers that all three stem from the same tree of Judaism, perhaps the picture becomes a bit clearer. Still, with conflict over who has the right to the land still going on today, the Holy Land is a place of extreme turmoil as it has been for thousands of years.
Topics: Judaism | No Comments »
St. Christopher and the Sports World
By admin | June 25, 2009
St. Christopher medals are extremely popular in the world of sports. One must wonder why so many athletes and teams wear medals of the saint and pay their homage to him. Perhaps it is because St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers. There are few things closer to the heart of the athlete then finding a way to win on the road.
A visiting team in sports faces many kinds of challenges. They have to play on the other team’s turf and in front of the other team’s fans. In many instances they have to travel a long distance and be kept from their families back home. All of this adds up to the home field advantage, and it can be hard for even experienced and dedicated athletes to overcome. That’s why teams work so hard on winning their home games, because they know they have the advantage and there shouldn’t be any excuses for a loss.
Winning a game on the road therefore is no easy challenge. That’s where St. Christopher comes in. Throughout the world St. Christopher medals and medallions are placed on vehicles and are worn by travelers to ensure safe passage. An athlete or a team in the midst of a road trip or in need of some help winning a game on the road can certainly use the assistance of the patron saint of travelers.
It’s a fact that many sports teams and many athletes consistently perform at a higher level on the road than other teams and other athletes. Not everyone seems to be able to naturally make up for the home team advantage however. Having St. Christopher on your side is another way an athlete can try to give himself or herself an edge.
Athletics are as much about mental strength as they are about physical strength or skill, and in many instances mental focus and commitment are even more important than any physical attributes. Simply knowing you have the protection of St. Christopher can help give you and your team more confidence in your abilities to play well on the road.
If you spend hours on the practice field and in the gym training your body, then why shouldn’t you also spend time fortifying your mind? Take advantage of the patron saint of travelers to give yourself a mental edge and a spiritual strength that can translate to on the field success.
Even when you’re playing at home, St. Christopher still comes in handy. After all, you don’t wish for any harm on your visiting opponents, and you want them to play to their fullest capability. There’s no fun or sense of accomplishment in beating an opponent that didn’t try hard or play well. As an athlete, true accomplishment comes when you beat the best at their best, when you are challenged with adversity and still find a way to succeed.
Saints show up in the sports world in many different ways. From the St. Louis Cardinals to the New Orleans Saints, the presence of saints and religion go hand in hand with sports. Having the assistance and guidance of St. Christopher is just another one of the ways that athletes and teams can try to succeed and work on completing their goals, of playing well, winning and emerging unscathed.
Topics: Saints and Angels | No Comments »
Patron Saint of Politicians
By DaveS | October 9, 2008
Well… given the upcoming presidential election and the recent $700B bailout out bill I thought it might be a nice idea to remind politicians, government officials we elect, of who their patron saint is… St Thomas More.
In the event you didn’t already know, Sir Thomas More was indeed a politician. Born in London in 1478 and studied law at Oxford and became Lord Chancellor of England. He’s also the patron saint of lawyers. Tried and convicted of treason (politicians take note of this) he was beheaded on July 6, 1535.
I really don’t expect many politicians, lawyers or other government officials to be reading this nor do I wish to push any religious beliefs in your direction. But especially during these troubled times a bit of divine intervention, a little patronly direction for doing what’s right, (whether or not you believe in such a thing) wouldn’t be such a bad thing would it?
Here’s a prayer to Saint Thomas More I found at www.thomasmorestudies.org I found rather appropriate…
Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to conscience. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients’ tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain—their good servant, and God’s first.
Amen.
- Other St Thomas More Resources
Catholic Encyclopedia
Catholic Online
The St. Thomas More Website
Saint Thomas More Pendants
Saint Thomas More Holy Cards
Topics: Saints and Angels, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Patron Saint of Soldiers
By DaveS | September 26, 2008
I often receive emails and comments from soldiers and their families. Each one of them is most often very touching and heartfelt. A while back, the mother of 2 sons serving in the military purchased a St. George medal for each of them shortly before they were deployed to Iraq. Saint George is the very popular patron saint of soldiers. She wrote that they were all she had in the world and hoped that the medals would help to guide and protect them and bring them home safely as she did not know what she’d do without them.
I want to thank each and every member of our service men and women for bravely and proudly serving our country. I want to thank all of your families for what you do and they endure for your service.
I’m not an overtly religious man but do have my beliefs. I pray because I choose to. One prayer I particularly like is A Prayer For You. I added the prayer to ChainzOnline and read it often. Each time I read it, it’s just as touching as the first. The two names that are listed there are the names of the two sons for whom the medals were purchased.
Topics: Saints and Angels | 2 Comments »
Patron Saint of Athletes
By DaveS | August 11, 2008
With the 2008 Olympics in Beijing China upon us, here’s a little bit about Saint Sebastian the patron saint of athletes in honor of all the athletes worldwide participating in the games.
According to his legend, Sebastian was born in Gaul and became a soldier in the Roman army. When it was discovered that St Sebastian was a Christian, during the rule of Emperor Diocletian, it was ordered that he be bound to a stake and shot by archers. Left there for dead or to die, it was St Irene who returned to the spot to bury St Sebastian only to find him still alive. Irene tended to Sebastian nursing him back to health. Once this was discovered, St Sebastian was beat to death with a club. His martyrdom, about the only thing that can be proved, was in 288.
The reason Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes was partly due to his physical endurance. He is also the patron saint of archers and all soldiers. A Basilica is said to be built over his remains and was rebuilt in 1611. An arrow said to have struck St. Sebastian and the column to which he was reportedly bound, is housed in the Relics Chapel. Saint Sebastian’s feast day is celebrated January 20th.
Topics: Saints and Angels | No Comments »
Donkeys Crucifix
By admin | August 1, 2008
I came across this today and it’s simply too cute not to post. The story of the Nativity and why donkeys are emblazoned with a crucifix.
Little Donkeys Special Secret by Suie Roberts
Donkeys are very special animals. Most people have enjoyed a donkey ride at the seaside, zoo or farm at one time or another as a child, a tradition started during the Victorian times. How could anyone resist those cute sad faces, and those extraordinary long eyelashes? But donkeys are special for another reason.
If you are familiar with the story of the nativity you will know that Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted, a journey of around 95 kilometers. This was no small distance back in those days when there weren’t any motorized vehicles. Additionally the journey was over a hilly terrain, which made the long journey even harder.
Poor Mary was heavily pregnant and the prospect of such a journey must have been daunting. It’s little wonder then that she rode a donkey on this long journey.
A special thing happened to the little donkey as it carried its precious load. As the donkey carried Mary and the unborn Son of God, a mark of the crucifix appeared on the donkey’s back. The top of the cross starting on the donkey’s neck and running down his spine. The shorter line of the cross ran along the donkey’s shoulder blades. The sign of the crucifix was given as a reward to the little donkey for the hard work it had endured, getting pregnant Mary safely to Bethlehem.
To this day the little donkey is honored for what he did for God, and all the donkeys bear the sign of the crucifix on their backs. You don’t usually see the cross because donkeys at the beach are usually wearing saddles, so small children can ride them. Maybe this is why donkeys look so sad, because their special mark is hidden.
S. Roberts is one of Santa’s Helpers and writes for http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk a Christmas educational & activity website. For more festive ideas & gifts to make visit http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/homemade-christmas-gift-ideas.html
SantasPostbag is in association with http://www.bigboystoyz.com Together keeping Christmas Magical
Topics: Religious Symbols | No Comments »
Tolerance Beyond Religion
By DaveS | July 8, 2008
You don’t have to look far to find “religion” and “tolerance” inseparably linked. But tolerance goes far beyond any single religious conviction. It encompasses everything, everyday. Age, gender, profession, race, even the foods we choose to eat.
What brought this to mind was a recent forum discussion about tomatoes. Yes, tomatoes. I had replied to question about recipes using tomatoes where 3 of 4 suggestions I offered involved meat. Another participant, clearly passionate about their vegetarian convictions, was saddened by my suggestions referring to me doing so as the “killing fields”. I responded by offering non-meat substitutions for the meat ingredients in the recipe ideas I had already provided. I believe each and everyone of us can try and be more tolerant about something in our everyday lives.
The following article by Jinger Jarrett is religious is nature, but it does make some points that I think truly go beyond simply being “religious” when it comes to tolerance…
Topics: Philosophy | 2 Comments »
Our Lady of Guadalupe
By DaveS | July 6, 2008
Special religious devotions are those for particular places, individuals, and events that have been said to have taken place in history. One of the more popular devotions is that of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the beloved patroness of Mexico. There’s an article on ChainzOnline titled Our Lady of Guadalupe describing the vision and story, and Santca.org is a wonderful site dedicated to the patroness.
The following is an interview with author Ann Ball who wrote The Other Faces of Mary. A terrific book dedicated to the images and stories about Our Lady from all over the world…
Topics: Special Devotions | No Comments »
Star of David-The Story
By admin | July 1, 2008
The Story of the Star of David
Author: Amelie Mag
Contrary to all beliefs, the common symbol associated with Judaism today, the Star of David, is a relatively new Jewish symbol. Magen David, as it is called in Hebrew, it is translated literally as the Shield of David. David was the youngest son of the shepherd Jesse of the tribe of Judah. He was known for his skills in both writing psalms and as a fearsome warrior. As a little boy he started with helping his father with attending the sheep that his father owned. But all that changed when king Saul, who summoned the little boy David to sing for him at his palace. He liked his performance and kept David as his personal musician…
Topics: Religious Symbols | No Comments »
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