Schindlers list?

Question

For those of us that saw the movie Schindlers list, there is a scene where a family is being forced out of their home, right before the father leaves the home for the last time he pries something out of the frame of the door. Can someone tell what is was and what is the meaning behind it?

Answer 1

On the doorposts of traditional Jewish homes (and many not-so-traditional homes!), you will find a small case ,This case is commonly known as a mezuzah (Hebrew for doorpost), because it is placed upon the doorposts of the house. The mezuzah is not, as some suppose, a good-luck charm, nor does it have any connection with the lamb's blood placed on the doorposts in Egypt. Rather, it is a constant reminder of God's presence and God's mitzvot.

A scroll is then rolled up placed in the case, so that the first letter of the Name (the letter Shin) is visible (or, more commonly, the letter Shin is written on the outside of the case).

The scroll must be handwritten in a special style of writing and must be placed in the case to fulfill the mitzvah. , Mechanically printed scrolls do not fulfill the mitzvah of the mezuzah, nor does an empty case.

The case and scroll are then nailed or affixed to the right side doorpost on an angle, with a small ceremony called Chanukkat Ha-Bayit (dedication of the house). A brief blessing is recited. the

Why is the mezuzah affixed at an angle? The rabbis could not decide whether it should be placed horizontally or vertically, so they compromised!

Every time you pass through a door with a mezuzah on it, you touch the mezuzah and then kiss the fingers that touched it, expressing love and respect for God and his mitzvot and reminding yourself of the mitzvot contained within them.

It is proper to remove a mezuzah when you move, and in fact, it is usually recommended. If you leave it in place, the subsequent owner may treat it with disrespect, and this is a grave sin. I have seen many mezuzot in apartment complexes that have been painted over by subsequent owners,

Answer 2

It is a mezuzah. It is a hand written Hebrew text on a parchment scroll which goes in the door frame of at least the front door. But it should go in every door frame of the house including an opening between two rooms that does not have a door or frame.
The mezuzah provides spiritual protection to the home and all who live there.

It is based on Deuteronomy chapter 6 from what I understand. I would go to ask moses to verify.

About mezuzah
http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=147&o=51
Bible Passage as follows
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=5&chapter=6&version=31&context=chapter

Answer 3

I don't exactly know what it's called, but most Jewish households have a little box you will see on the inside of the door frame if you look up and to the right when standing outside the front door. I think it has something to do with how the Jews marked their doors when god's destroyer killed all the first born sons of Egypt. The mark was to tell the Destroyer to pass over the house. The only problem with my thinking is that the mark was made from Lambs blood. I don't know if they mean that, but it may be the same thing. Not sure, I'm not Jewish.

That's what I always thought it was that he pulled off the door.

Answer 4

I believe that in the Jewish faith (and many others) it is a sign of respect to God to place a small religious item in the doorway of your home. (it is then touched when entering the home - much like holy water is when you enter a church if you are a Catholic) I believe it is for both 'protection' and 'remembrance'. I think that is what the man is taking with him, his religious item.