Mezuza - part 1

Richard B. Aiken

Introduction to Mezuza

A mezuza (pl., mezuzot) is a small, sofer-inscribed parchment scroll containing the two Torah paragraphs commanding us to put mezuzot on our doorposts and gates: Deuteronomy/Devarim 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 (these are the first two paragraphs of the shema prayer.)  Each doorway that is related to where people live must have a mezuza.

Mezuzot are placed on the right side of doorways as you enter in apartments, buildings, or even recreational vehicles that you rent for 30 days or more (or that you purchase/own), in which you sleep.

A mezuza has protective value in that it reminds us to think about God each time we walk past a doorway or gateway, and so the particular name of God written on the mezuza (shin-daled-yud) likewise can serve as an acronym for God's role as “Shomer dirot Yisrael”—Watcher over the dwelling places of Israel.

God's Name on Outside

A mezuza scroll should be rolled from left to right so that God's name appears on the outside.

Covers

Mezuzot are not required by halacha to have covers (sheitels). Covers are only for decorating and protecting the parchment; their use is recommended in the Shulchan Aruch.

Note: Covers may be necessary to protect the mezuzot where the weather is humid, hot, or rainy.

Which Buildings Require

Where People Live

Only buildings in which people live need a mezuza, so you do not need to put them on offices, synagogues, or stores (unless people also live there). No mezuza is needed on an eruv.

Buildings Regularly Used with a Person's Home

Mezuzot must be placed on any buildings used with a person's home.

Examples:

  • A barn with animals that is near a house, if you use their milk or meat for food.
  • A coop with birds that is near a house if you eat their meat or eggs.
  • A shed for firewood.

Note: There may be exceptions due to size or other factors--consult a rabbi.

Note: A structure that only stores items not used regularly, such as a shed for storing a sukka--even if attached to a house--does not need a mezuza.

Note: Do not put mezuzas on a sukka or any other temporary structure. If you have a pergola or gazebo that is at least 50 sq. ft. of area inside and that you use during much of the year, consult a rabbi.

Hotel Rooms

We do not normally affix mezuzot to hotel rooms, even when we would be required to (as when staying for more than 30 days).

Reason: To do so might damage the hotel property.

What To Do: Do not affix a mezuza even with long-lasting tape.

Note: You may not affix a mezuza if you will not be allowed to remove it when you leave.

Which Doors

All Doors Except...

Each door needs a mezuza except for a:

  • Bathroom, or a
  • Room less than 50 square feet.

Note: Do not affix a mezuza to a door that is sealed closed.

Balcony

Any covered balcony over 50 square feet requires a mezuza.

Arches

Place a mezuza on doors or gates, even if they have an arch on top instead of a straight lintel.

Copyright 2015 Richard B. Aiken. Halacha L’Maaseh appears courtesy of www.practicalhalacha.com Visit their web site for more information.