"The Mezuzah (plural form is mezuzot) is a small case in which a small hand written scroll of parchment (called a klaf) is placed. The scroll contains the words of the "Shema Israel" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) passage, in which God commands Jews to keep His words constantly in their minds and in their hearts. The scroll also contains another passage (Deuteronomy 11:13). The passages are written in Hebrew, and contain 22 lines of 713 painstakingly written
letters.

"The meaning of the Hebrew word Mezuzah is simply "a doorpost." The meaning of the words "Shema Israel" is "Hear Israel".

"On the back of the scroll, a name of God is written. The scroll is then rolled so that the first letter of the Name (the letter Shin) is visible (or, more commonly, the letter Shin is written on the on the upper exterior of the case)." (The letter Shin resembles the letter W in appearance.)

According to tradition, "every time one passes through a door with a Mezuzah on it, one kisses his fingers and touches them to the Mezuzah, expressing love and respect for God and his commandments.

The Mezuzah is not, as some may think, a good-luck charm, nor does it have any connection with the lamb's blood placed on the doorposts in Egypt before the Exodus. Rather, it is a constant reminder of God's presence and God's commandments."

(quoted from Judaica-guide.com)

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