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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