the Jewish center reported Tuesday. The act of vandalism to the center’s mezuzah has shaken the organization’s leaders and community members, Rabbi Chayim Mishulovin told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

A mezuzah is a small box that contains a small scroll with Torah verses — and is normally put on the doorposts of Jewish homes. But some Jews have been known to turn them into necklaces.

It is always kept in a small case on the door frame ... It is also called the Aron Hakodesh. The mezuzah contains an important prayer for Jewish people to remember God, the Shema prayer.

The home is another important place for Jews and is greatly valued, as this is a place where Jewish values, beliefs and practices are learnt and acted upon.