1. The Mitzvah of Mezuzah and Its Protective Power
The mitzvah of mezuzah—the scroll affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes—is widely known as a source of protection. The name of Hashem on the mezuzah, spelled Shin-Dalet-Yud, stands for Shomer Daltot Yisrael—Guardian of the Doors of Israel. This concept is so central that the Rebbe made Miftza Mezuzah, the Mezuzah Campaign, one of his ten major campaigns (Miftzoim) to encourage every Jewish home, and every door within it, to have a kosher mezuzah properly affixed. The Rebbe emphasized that especially during difficult times for Jews in Israel, such as during wars or threats, the mitzvah of mezuzah serves as a unique form of protection. Not only must every home have a mezuzah, but it must be placed correctly according to halacha for its protective quality to be effective.2. Mezuzah in the Torah: Reward and Protection
In this week’s parsha, Eikev, we read in the second paragraph of Shema: Uchisavtam al mezuzot beitecha u’visharecha—“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Unusually, the Torah here specifies a reward: L’maan yirbu yemeichem v’yemei v’neichem al ha’adamah—“So that your days and your children’s days will be increased upon the land.” This explicit promise of long life is rare among mitzvos and is also found by honoring parents and sending away the mother bird (shiluach hakein). Why does the Torah sometimes mention reward? To encourage observance by highlighting tangible benefits. While many mitzvos are classified as chukim—statutes performed simply because Hashem commands them—here the Torah underscores both spiritual and practical outcomes.3. Mezuzah’s Unique Nature: Not Just Reward but Inherent Benefit
The Tur (son of Rabbeinu Asher) explains that mezuzah is unique: it is not just about receiving reward for fulfilling Hashem’s commandment but about an inherent benefit—protection. Unlike a king who is guarded from outside while inside his palace, we sleep inside our homes while Hashem protects us from outside through the mezuzah. This protection extends even when leaving home, as alluded to in Tehillim: “Hashem should guard your going out and coming in.” Thus, mezuzah provides ongoing security both inside and outside one’s dwelling. This benefit is not merely payment for a mitzvah but an essential aspect of what mezuzah accomplishes.4. Ulterior Motives in Mitzvah Performance: Rambam’s Approach
A classic question arises: Should we perform mitzvos for their rewards or benefits? Is it acceptable to do mitzvos with ulterior motives? Rambam teaches that when educating children or beginners, incentives are appropriate—candies or promises of honor help foster initial observance. Over time, one should strive to perform mitzvos purely l’shem shamayim—for Hashem’s sake alone. Sometimes even adults give tzedakah with hopes for healing or other personal needs. While this is permitted and can be a starting point, it is not considered the highest level. The ideal is to do mitzvos solely because they are Hashem’s will.5. Mezuzah: Protection as Part of the Mitzvah Itself
The Rebbe distinguishes between doing a mitzvah solely for its benefit versus recognizing that certain benefits are part and parcel of the mitzvah itself. In the case of mezuzah, protection is not an external reward but intrinsic to its fulfillment. Placing a mezuzah on the outside of one’s door demonstrates its purpose—to protect those inside. Even though some authorities caution against performing mitzvos only for their protective qualities, this does not mean one may not value or seek that protection as part of fulfilling Hashem’s commandment. The key is not to separate Hashem from the equation—one should put up a mezuzah because Hashem commanded it as a means of protection.6. Mezuzah Versus Superstition: The Rambam’s Critique
Rambam criticizes those who add extraneous words or verses to mezuzahs or treat them like magical amulets rather than holy objects commanded by Hashem. Turning a mitzvah into mere superstition degrades its sanctity and misses its true purpose. Nevertheless, even if someone puts up a mezuzah solely for protection without recognizing its status as a divine commandment, they have still performed something positive—though not at the highest level.7. Mezuzah Outside Its Halachic Context: Stories and Lessons
The Talmud mentions people carrying mezuzahs on sticks for protection even though this does not fulfill the actual mitzvah (which requires affixing it to a doorpost). Still, there seems to be some residual protective power due to mezuzah’s inherent connection with guarding. A famous story illustrates this point: Artabon, a non-Jewish nobleman, sent Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi an expensive gift and received in return only a mezuzah scroll. Insulted at first, Artabon was told by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi that while Artabon needed guards for his gift, Rabbi Yehuda had sent him something that would guard him instead! Remarkably, commentators relate that Artabon was healed from demonic affliction through this very mezuzah. Even though Artabon was not Jewish and did not fulfill the technical requirements for mezuzah observance, there was still some measure of spiritual benefit derived from contact with this holy object.8. Practical Guidance: Ensuring Proper Mezuzahs for Protection
The previous Rebbe demonstrated profound faith in mezuzah’s power even when imprisoned by Soviet authorities—a place exempt from requiring a mezuzah according to halacha (like stables or bathrooms). By referencing these laws aloud under duress, he sought spiritual connection with the protective quality inherent in learning about or being mindful of mezuzahs. The Rebbe urges everyone to help others obtain kosher mezuzahs properly placed on all appropriate doors as genuine protection for themselves and all Klal Yisrael. Sometimes people discover problems in their homes or lives traced back to invalid or improperly placed mezuzahs; correcting these issues can bring real blessing and security. In summary: While performing any mitzvah ideally should be motivated by pure devotion to Hashem’s will (l’shem shamayim), with regard to mezuzah specifically, seeking its protective quality is entirely legitimate—indeed part of what Hashem intended when commanding us in this special mitzvah.