Can someone who is not Jewish buy a Mezuzah for a dear friend that is Jewish for their knew home? I have just learned about the Mezuzah and a friend of mine is building a new home and she means the world to me, so I was wondering if that is something acceptable or not.

Shalom, Thank you for your question. What a lovely thought – it is so lovely to see your friendship and obvious respect and love for your friends Jewish tradition. As to your question – yes, you may buy a mezuzah as a gift for your friend. The mezuzah we put up on our doorways consists of two parts. The inner handwritten parchment scroll, which is the most important part, and the external container. This container, or mezuzah box, is very often quite ornamental. The laws of the mezuzah container are very easy – any type will do, and it does not have to be made in any particular “holy” fashion. You can purchase one at a good Jewish gift shop (or even online). You will be able to spend any amount on it – from a cheap plastic one, to a very expensive pure silver hand crafted one. Choose whatever you think they would like. (Or you might want to take them to the shop and let them choose). When it comes to the inside parchment, the laws are much stricter. This is the “heart” of the commandment of mezuzah. A kosher mezuzah must be written by a special scribe, and the cost a fare amount of money. However, the most important thing is to buy one from an Orthodox Jew. If you buy one from an Orthodox Jewish shop, you might want to get them to put it in a bag and seal it – or ask them to insert it in the container, and then seal them up – so your friend will feel comfortable knowing that it came from a reliable source. Or, here too, you might want to take your friend to the shop with you. Many blessings.