Mezuzah

A mezuzah (Hebrew: מזוזה‎) (plural: mezuzot (מזוזות)) is a piece of parchment (usually contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah. A mezuza is affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes. Many families place a mezuzah only on the front door, but observant Jews fix one on every doorway in the home apart from bathrooms, and closets too small to qualify as rooms.

The inscribed verses are from the Shema prayer, which begins with the words "Hear, O Israel." The text appears in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe (a "sofer stam") who has undergone many years of meticulous training. The verses are written in indelible black ink with a special quill pen. The parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case.