A
mezuzah ( "doorpost"; plural: מְזוּזוֹת
mezuzot) is a piece of
parchment (often contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specified
Hebrew verses from the
Torah ( and ). These verses compose the Jewish prayer "
Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD (is) our God, the LORD is One". In mainstream, i.e.
Rabbinic Judaism, a mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe of Jewish homes to fulfill the
mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the doorposts of your house" . Some interpret Jewish law to require a mezuzah on every doorway in the home apart from bathrooms and closets too small to qualify as rooms. The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe (a "
sofer stam") who has undergone many years of meticulous training, and the verses are written in black indelible ink with a special quill pen. The parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case.