Community Magazine November 2009

The op 10 WHO IS OBLIGATED TO AFFIX A 1 MEZUZAH ? One is obligated to affix a mezuzah on every doorway of a dwelling he owns or rents for more than thirty days. A tenant must affix mezuzot even if the property is owned by a non-Jew. WHICH 2 MEZUZOT SHOULD ONE BUY? Mezuzot should be purchased from a Gd-fearing sofer (scribe) who is proficient in the laws and technique of writing mezuzot . One fulfills the missva at a higher standard by purchasing mezuzot written in the nicest handwriting possible, and placing it in a beautiful case. One should try to have his mezuzot checked at least twice every seven years to ensure that they have not been damaged. HOW IS THE 3 MEZUZAH AFFIXED? The mezuzah parchment should be carefully rolled from left to right (when held right side up). Many people wrap the mezuzah parchment in a plastic wrapping for added protection before putting it in its case. The mezuzah must be attached firmly to the doorpost, rather than hang from it. Many Sepharadim affix the mezuzah vertically, while Ashkenazimplace it ona slight slantwith the top facing towards the room. According to all views, a mezuzah may not be placed horizontally. WHERE SHOULD THE 4 MEZUZAH BE PLACED? The mezuzah must be placed on the right side of the doorway, when one enters the house/room, within the top third of the doorpost. Preferably, it should be placed at the spot where the higher third begins, though it is acceptable to place it higher, provided it is placed at least a tefah (3½ -4 inches) from the top of the doorpost. In a wide doorway, the mezuzah should be placed within the tefah closest to the outside. If one is afraid the mezuzah will be stolen from the doorpost, he may carve a spot for the mezuzah into the doorpost, but not deeper than a tefah . WHICH HOMES/ROOMS 5 REQUIRE A MEZUZAH ? A room measuring four or more square amot (seven or eight square feet) with a proper doorway requires a mezuzah . The doorway must have two sides and a top and be higher than 10 tefahim (36-40 inches). A doorway without a door requires a mezuzah , though in such a case, according to the Ben Ish Hai, one should not recite a beracha when affixing the mezuzah . Gates that open to yards require a mezuzah . Workrooms and offices that are used regularly also require a mezuzah but without a beracha . WHICH ROOMS HAVE SPECIAL 6 REQUIREMENTS? A mezuzah is not placed on a bathroom, shower room, or mikveh door. On a parent’s bedroom door, the mezuzah should be affixed such that it is outside the room when the door is closed. If not, then the parchment should be wrapped in an additional covering. FROM WHEN DOES THE 7 OBLIGATION BEGIN? One who buys a house is required to affix the mezuzah immediately upon moving into the home. Some Sepharadim have a custom to celebrate the Hanukat Habayit the night one moves in and to affix the mezuzot on that occasion. Arenter in the Diaspora is not required to affix mezuzot until after living in the residence for 30 days, while in Israel renters must affix mezuzot immediately upon moving in. One may affix mezuzot by day or by night. WHEN DOES ONE RECITE THE 8 BERACHA OVER THE MEZUZAH ? Before affixing the mezuzah on the doorpost, one recites the beracha : “ Baruch ata…asher kedishanu bemissvotav vessivanu likboa mezuzah – Blessed are you… who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah .” When one affixes several mezuzot , he recites one beracha for all of them. If a mezuzah fell from the doorpost or was taken down overnight, such as to be checked or when switching mezuzot , one recites a beracha when he reaffixes the mezuzah . CAN ONE TAKE HIS 9 MEZUZOT WITH HIM TO A NEW HOME? One may not take down his mezuzot , even when moving out, unless he knows that a gentile will be moving into the dwelling. One may, however, take down a higher quality or more expensive mezuzah , provided that he leaves another kosher mezuzah in its place. It is permissible to request payment for the mezuzot from the new occupant. There is an opinion that if a departing occupant knows that the mezuzot will be removed anyway, for reasons like painting the house, he may take the mezuzot with him. If a gentile is moving in, one must remove the mezuzot to prevent mistreatment. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE 10 AND PURPOSE OF THE MEZUZAH ? The mezuzah serves as a constant reminder of Hashem and the missvot He commanded us to fulfill. It is therefore customary to kiss the mezuzah whenever one leaves or enters the house/room. Our sages teach that a proper mezuzah causes the Shechina (divine presence) to dwell in one’s home and protects it from harm. It also serves as a segula (charm) for longevity for oneself and children. Although this is not the missva ’s primary intent, it should motivate one to purchase proper mezuzot and affix them as required by halacha . Questions & Answers on the Laws of Mezuzah Reviewed by Rabbi Shmuel Choueka of Congregation Ohel Simha, Long Branch, NJ. The Halachot and customs listed here are not presented in any particular order. These summaries represent a very brief overview of the subject matter to promote general awareness and encourage further study. As always, readers should consult their rabbi with specific queries. 74 Community magazine