Designer Glass Mezuzah Case: A Design That Will Upgrade Any Space

Designed Glass Mezuzah Case: Art and Spiritual Impact

Glass Mezuzah?

First, it is important to understand – what is a mezuzah? What is written on the mezuzah? A mezuzah consists of a mezuzah scroll + mezuzah case. The main part of the mezuzah is a parchment sheet made from the skin of a pure animal, on which a scribe writes in STaM script (acronym: Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, Mezuzot). In a special script called STaM script, two sections – “Shema Yisrael” and “Vehaya Im Shamoa” – are written, and this mezuzah scroll is rolled from the end to the beginning and placed inside an elongated box called the “mezuzah case”. A glass mezuzah means a mezuzah case designed from glass, because the main part of the mezuzah is the scroll and not the case, which is designed from glass.

Where is a glass mezuzah case placed?Like every mezuzah in the world, a glass mezuzah case is affixed on the right side of the doorway at the entrance to a room or house, in the upper third of the doorpost. Sephardim customarily affix the mezuzah upright, while Ashkenazim and Moroccan Jews tend to angle it slightly diagonally. Women are also obligated in this mitzvah.Durability of the glass mezuzah case: It is highly recommended that the mezuzah case be made of a durable material that will last over time and protect the scroll both from intense sun and from rain that could harm or invalidate it. Today, there are many very durable and high-quality glass mezuzah cases on the market suitable for outdoor conditions.How often should a glass mezuzah case be checked?There is no difference between a mezuzah that is inside a glass mezuzah case and the rest of the mezuzah cases – every mezuzah in a home should be checked at least every 3.5 years. And a mezuzah fixed in a place that belongs to the public or in a public area and not in a private home – should be checked at least every 25 years.

And even though it is clarified that mezuzahs in a home need to be checked only once every 3.5 years, including glass mezuzah cases, some have the custom out of piety to check the mezuzahs every year during the month of Elul. It does not matter if it is a glass mezuzah case or made of another material.

And the custom of Israel is that if there is some trouble or illness in the home, God forbid, they check the mezuzahs even if 3.5 years have not passed.

Can anyone install a glass mezuzah case?

Usually, yes. However, one must learn the halachot to know where to install it and in which room it is obligatory and which is exempt. A glass mezuzah case is not different from other mezuzahs – Only an opening that has two mezuzahs and a doorpost and that faces a room measuring four cubits (192 cm) by four cubits requires a mezuzah. There are cases where the opening is exempt or requires a mezuzah without a blessing upon affixing, so one should ask in each case a rabbi or someone knowledgeable in the halacha. The mezuzah should be firmly attached to the mezuzah case so that it does not fall, for example with nails or glue. Before affixing a glass mezuzah case or any other mezuzah, one should bless: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.” Even if affixing several mezuzahs, one blessing is recited for all.

What are the advantages of affixing a glass mezuzah case?Affixing a glass mezuzah case on the door like any other mezuzah is a positive commandment from the Torah, as it says: “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” The mitzvah of the mezuzah is great and mighty, mentioned daily in the morning and evening Shema by millions of Jews worldwide saying “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

It is brought in Tikunei Zohar (Tikun 18, page 25): “The secret of the mezuzah (this is the secret of the mezuzah) as it is said in it (as it is stated) ‘And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house’ – mezuzah written – moving death”, thus the language of the Zohar. Meaning, the mitzvah of the mezuzah has the power to move away death. The Mordechai wrote in the name of Maharam: “And I am certain that every house properly fixed with a mezuzah according to halacha, no harm can rule over it.” The Kessef Mishneh writes, “When the mezuzah is written according to its proper fixing, it envelops the protection of the Blessed Hashem over the house.”Important to know: All the protective virtues of the mezuzah exist only when the mezuzah is kosher and fixed properly according to halacha; therefore, one must purchase the mezuzah from a reliable store whose owner is known to be God-fearing. One should bear in mind that the mezuzah has 713 letters, and in each letter there can be several variations that might invalidate it. If, heaven forbid, there is a defect in any one of the 713 letters, the mezuzah is invalid by law.Is a glass mezuzah case a modern or ancient item?In the past, mezuzot were mostly made of wood or metal, but in the modern era a new trend in design is evident. Glass Mezuzah Case It sets itself apart thanks to the modern design that deepens the home’s aesthetic experience. Glass mezuzahs are often made with interesting geometric shapes, colorful tones, and light play that add uniqueness. Additionally, designs combining various processing techniques can be found, such as printing on glass or engraving.