DEAR ABBY: A new family moved into our neighborhood a couple of weeks ago. They have this little tube tacked next to their front door they call a "me-zoo-zah." I'm embarrassed to ask them what it's for. Have you ever heard of one, and can you answer my question? -- CURIOUS IN IRVINE, CALIF.
DEAR CURIOUS: The little tube is a MEZUZAH, and it's hung on the doorposts of the homes of observant Jewish people. The cylinder contains a parchment scroll inscribed with verses from the Old Testament written in Hebrew, which remind the dwellers every time they leave or enter to be faithful to the Commandments and to Jewish values. (One wit has suggested that the tubes are actually electrically charged to "zap" any anti-Semite who tries to enter!)