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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