Open-face mezuzah

Abstract

An Open-Face Mezuzah, which goes beyond the utilitarian purpose of a standard mezuzah for several reasons. First, this Open-Face Mezuzah contains the Biblical script of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 inscribed on the exterior of the mezuzah itself rather than on a scroll placed inside, or behind, a traditional mezuzah. Thus, it more exactly embodies the command to “write [the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-5] on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Second, the Open-Face Mezuzah makes the message of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 understandable to non-Hebrew speaking people because the words, although first rendered in Hebrew, are also rendered in English below the Hebrew. Third, the Open-Face Mezuzah conveys to the guest entering the house that the family within the house believes in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. In addition to citing the Old Testament verses of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, it also cites the New Testament verses of Mark 12:29-30, which is a New Testament quote of Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Fourth, within the Pharisaic tradition, it is necessary to ensure that the scroll of Biblical verses be maintained in good condition. Hence, it is necessary to periodically remove the scroll and examine it to ensure it has not deteriorated. If it is deteriorated, it must be replaced. The Open-Face Mezuzah has no such requirement because the words are inscribed in metal, or other hard material, and do not easily deteriorate. In the chance event that the words do become damaged, it is readily evident because the words are on the outside.

What I claim as my invention is:  
     
         1 . An Open-Face Mezuzah, made from metal, glass, wood, ceramic, or other hard material, containing the traditional Hebrew letter  (shin) together with the externally-inscribed words from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 in Hebrew and in English, and holes for mounting.  
     
     
         2 . An Open-Face Mezuzah, made from metal, glass, wood, ceramic, or other hard material, containing the traditional Hebrew letter  (shin) together with the externally-inscribed words from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 in either Hebrew, English, or a combination of both languages, and holes for mounting.  
     
     
         3 . An Open-Face Mezuzah, made from metal, glass, wood, ceramic, or other hard material, containing the traditional Hebrew letter  (shin) together with the externally-inscribed words from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 in either Hebrew, English, or a combination of both languages, and without holes for mounting. Mounting to be otherwise contemplated.  
     
     
         4 . An Open-Face Mezuzah in accordance with claim(s)  1 - 3  that is substantially shaped as shown in FIG. 1, or in any other geometric shape, or in the shape of a scroll.