Mezuzah Pendent Inquiry
Question
Hi Rabbi, I hope this message finds you well. My question is pertaining to the mezuzah I wear as a pendant on my necklace. A couple of years ago - when I was more juvenile - I swung it around and hit the corner of a table. Unfortunately, this caused a slight dent in the mezuzah potentially affecting its spirituality. I truly love this pendant as it was gorgeously hand made by craftsman and, more importantly, was a gift from my now deceased grandmother. However, if I have tainted the mezuzah by denting it. I don't think I should be wearing it on a day to day basis. Could you let me know if 1) I have forsaken its blessings by denting it and 2) whether wearing it is even worse than no pendant at all (as it may be a sin to wear Hashem's name on imperfect item). Thank you so much -Matt
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
There is no such concept in Judaism as wearing a “mezuza necklace.” And doing so certainly has no spiritual value. This is especially true considering that your mezuza necklace likely does not have the holy scroll (“mezuza klaf”) inside of it.
The mezuza is a mitzva of the Torah. The Torah requires us to put a mezuza scroll on most doorposts in homes and buildings that we live in. In fact, the scroll is the primary component of the mitzva and the case has little relevance and is often not even needed. Any other use of a mezuza, such as around one’s neck, on one’s car, or hanging in any other place is meaningless. Indeed, if a mezuza scroll is used in such instances there is actually more harm than good being performed.
As such, there is no holiness to a mezuza necklace, it does not have any spiritual holiness, and the fact that it was damaged has no meaning or effect on your spiritual luck. You may continue to wear the necklace as an artistic pendant or charm but make sure there is no scroll inside it. There should also be no Hebrew lettering on the outside. If there is a scroll inside your necklace, please discuss with your local rabbi or contact us on how to best tend to it.
The best way to connect to G-d and spirituality is to study Torah and to perform mitzvot. Be sure to attend your local synagogue and connect with your local rabbi who can help you in your spiritual journey.