Holiness: Gates

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

-- Deuteronomy 6:9

After living in my apartment for half a year, I finally bought a mezuzah and affixed it to the doorway. For those who don't know, a mezuzah is a parchment of Scripture contained within a decorative case. It is the traditional way of fulfilling the commandment above, to "write these words upon the doorposts of your house." Others may interpret this command more metaphorically (which I think is fair), but I want to show you why I think the traditional interpretation has benefit.

First of all, I do think the metaphorical (or "spiritual" if you prefer) meaning is at the heart of the commandment. Our homes are to be set apart to God through His commandments. In a world where darkness and sin pervade, our homes are one place that we can exercise some control over. It is up to us to decide what comes in and what goes out of our dwellings. We are to guard the "gates" from any uncleanness that might threaten the sanctity of our home.

The physical mezuzah, for me, serves as a reminder. It is all too easy to walk in and out and totally forget the distinction between the holy and the profane. As we try to get on with our hectic lives, everything starts to blend together. But, every time I walk through my doorway and touch the mezuzah, I remember Who my Protector is--the One who guards me physically and spiritually both inside and outside the home. I'm not going to tell you that hanging a mezuzah on your doorpost is a commandment, but I would encourage you to consider it as something that may help you in your walk.

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Let's take a deeper look at this commandment. We are told to write words of Torah upon the doorpost and gateways of our house. Where are the gateways and how do we guard them?

The most obvious gateway would be the door to your home. This is where you walk in and out everyday. This is where guests enter and leave and where you bring in your "stuff" from the store. A lot can pass through this gateway on a daily basis. When a friend or neighbor comes over, they leave their baggage at the door. Your home is set apart by the Torah; unclean spirits are not welcome. When you walk out, you walk out as an ambassador for Messiah. A gateway is two-way, you guard what comes in so that love and holiness may flow out.

There are other gateways that may not be quite as apparent. Television, internet, and phones all serve as gateways into the home. What is entering your home through these avenues? How can you affix words of Torah to these doorways? Just some questions to think about. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Anyway, I've rambled long enough on this topic. How do you set apart your home?

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