Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site decwrl.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!prls!amdimage!amdcad!decwrl!liss@gramps.DEC (Frederick R. Liss DTN 237-3649) From: liss@gramps.DEC (Frederick R. Liss DTN 237-3649) Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish Subject: Kosher Mazuza? Message-ID: <3660@decwrl.UUCP> Date: Thu, 15-Aug-85 12:20:22 EDT Article-I.D.: decwrl.3660 Posted: Thu Aug 15 12:20:22 1985 Date-Received: Mon, 19-Aug-85 20:57:51 EDT Sender: daemon@decwrl.UUCP Organization: Digital Equipment Corp., Palo Alto, CA Lines: 53 I had an interesting experience this past weekend that I would like to share with everyone. But first let me give you a little background information. As a child I had my Jewish education at an Orthodox Hebrew school. Even though I became less and less observant as time went by, the memories of growing up in a Jewish household in New York City, during the 1950s with my parents and grand parents are always very dear to me. I have recently married a woman from Iran. She does not think of herself as Orthodox, however, she received a very strong Jewish education and sense of tradition from her mother. We just moved to Worcester MA. I'm sure you have all heard of Worcester. After all there are *four* Orthodox shuls, one Conservative shul, and two Reformed "temples". After I bought my house in the West End (the Jewish neighborhood) I shortly discovered that most of my neighbors were Orthodox! Now, let me continue with my story. Last Saturday my family and I, took a walk to the nearest Orthodox shul. After services a member of the congregation, David, invited us to his house for Shabos lunch. Over lunch I mentioned to David that I have several Mazuzos to hang. The conversation went something like this. "Dave, I have several Mazuzos to put up. I don't know the brochos(sp). Could you give me a hand?" "Of course. I'd be glad to. By the way, are the mazuzos kosher?" "Certainly. My mother bought them in Israel on her last trip." "Well, perhaps we should have the Rabbi look at them. Why don't you bring them to shul Sunday morning. I am sure the Rabbi will be glad to let you know." I don't have to tell you. They weren't kosher. I purchased a kosher mazuza from the shul. Then, Dave and I went back to my house to hang the mazuza. We got out to the front door and Dave exclaimed "I don't know if you say the blessing before, during, or after you hang the mazuza." One call, by Dave, to the Rabbi and we got our answer. This experience reminded me that I was away too long. I found the whole situation very rewarding. Also, my wife and I have decided what shul we will eventually join. By the way. I have one question. Exactly what makes a mazuza kosher? Regards, Fred --- Frederick R. Liss UUCP ...decvax!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-gramps!liss Digital Equipment Corp. ARPA liss%gramps.DEC@decwrl.ARPA 333 South St. Shrewsbury MA, 01545 Mail Stop SHR1-4/D21