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WHAT DO WE DO WITH A MEZUZAH ?
The reason for this one is pretty straight forward, as it comes to us directly from the Torah. Deuteronomy 6:9 states: “And write them (the words of the Torah) on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates." Mezuzot are necessary for the doorways of each room as well as for hallways, whether for the home or business, either owned or rented. If one spends time in the garage, attic, laundry room, tool shed, or even walk-in closet, then a mezuzah is required. Once a mezuzah is put up, it must remain up. Even if the occupant moves, they must leave the mezuzot on unless the newcomers are non-Jews. The mezuzah should be rolled-up with care from the left side to the right, with the letters shin, daled and yud showing on the outside, and then wrapped in wax paper or plastic. A kosher mezuzah must be hand-written by a competent scribe, on kosher parchment paper. Photocopied or printed reproductions are not acceptable. The mezuzah is then placed into a protective case. If one is not available, the scroll can be taped directly to the doorpost. A protective case is, however, recommended. The case should be affixed to the right side of the doorpost (on the entrance side of the room, on the lower part of the upper third, and slanted top-side inwardly). Before affixing the mezuzah, the following blessing should be made: Boruch Ato A-do-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ho-olom One blessing is sufficient, even for placing many mezuzot.
Copyright (c) 2001-2008 Rabbi Steven Schonblum
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