Watching At Wisdom's Doors And The Mezuzah

Midrash Mishlei 8:5

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Now therefore, O sons, hearken unto me" (Prov. 8:32) — the Holy One, blessed be He, said: I ask nothing of you but this listening alone; if you listen to Me, I will fulfill for you what Isaiah prophesied, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" (Isa. 1:19). "Happy is the man that heareth me" (Prov. 8:34) — the Holy One, blessed be He, said: Happy is the one who listens to Me. "Watching at my doors day by day" (Prov. 8:34) — why is "day by day" stated twice? Corresponding to the two worlds, this world and the World to Come. "Keeping the doorposts of my doors" (Prov. 8:34) — these are the gates of prayer. Another interpretation: Rabbi Tanchuma said: A person is obligated to put a mezuzah upon the doorways of his house, as it is said, "And thou shalt write them upon the doorposts (mezuzot) of thy house and upon thy gates" (Deut. 6:9). Rabbi Levi says: two mezuzot. Rabbi Yishmael says: one mezuzah. And the Sages say: the law follows Rabbi Yishmael.

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