In the movie, Tuvia and Zus at different times possess a small rod-shaped good luck charm that seems to be inscribed with Hebrew characters. It played enough of a role in the movie that I'd imagine its role would be explained, but I must've missed it. Perhaps it was included in the special features, but does anyone know what this good luck charm was and what significance it held? Thanks.
shareA mezuzah (Hebrew): is a piece of parchment (often contained in a decorative case) (which you saw in Defiance) inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Listen, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One."
A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe of Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the doorposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9).
That explains it. Thanks.
shareProbably the most useful post in the history of IMDB.
I'm from an area with zero Jewish culture/population, so I was wondering the same thing.
Hate for my ignorance to show, but I thought it was a pocket knife the whole time I watched this movie!
Don't be such a pu$$y Vaughn, we all gotta work tomorrow!
[deleted]
"Hate for my ignorance to show"
I can beat that - I thought it was a crucifix and I'd misread the DVD box..
Thanks for that indepth explanation about the memento that was passed between the brothers. I wondered about it until I came on this board, and now I saw a full explanation. You sure did better than the producers. LOL. Thanks again.
This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol
I would also mention that a Mezuzah is considered a protector of any house, business or room.
The letters on it are an acronym for "protector of the doors of the Israelites"
I also was not aware what the object was, although I remember I saw the same type of object in Schindler's List. When the Jews were forced out of their homes into the Krakow ghetto, the film shows one of them doing the same thing - prying this object from the door jam and taking it with them. What I found interesting in this film is that the second brother (Liev Schrieber) is the one who takes it from their home, but when the oldest brother, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), shows up, essentially the first thing Schrieber does is give him that object. I assume that by tradition it goes to the oldest son.
shareIt doesn't necessarily pass on to the eldest, though Tuvia would be the one (presumably) to put in on the doorway of a new home since he is the eldest. Jews believe that when you leave a home, you should remove the Mezuzah so that it will not become desecrated by the next home owner; or in this case the Nazi's. This is considered one of the ways to remain mindful of God, and fulfills a mitzvah which is probably why it was introduced in both movies.
shareMy current home had these on the door frames when I moved in about 10 years ago. Though a Christian, I left them up just because they were cool, and it didn't feel right taking them down.
shareto the person who thought it was a pocket knife, dont feel bad. I am jewish, and we have mezuzahs up in my house...and I also thought it was a pocket knife.
Joss Whedon Stole my Life...and I loved it
http://www.youtube.com/spacey4
Thank God, I'm an Atheist! - Luis Bunuel
I read an article in ny times about this happening often. Many people feel blessed to have this item blessing their home. I found it interesting. I have one in my kitchen from my inlaws that I was given before my wedding.
Farewell,and may the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you.