How do you put a Mezuzah on a door?
When you encounter a house with a Mezuzah on the door, chances are you are entering a Jewish home. Why? Inside the Mezuzah case is a scroll, upon which is written the prayer “Hear O Israel, the Adonai is our God; Adonai is one.” This prayer, “Sh’ma” is found in the Torah, and sums up the meaning of Judaism in six words. It is followed by clear instructions as to how Jews should show this belief through action, including:
“And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates”. (Deut. 6:9)
Hence the mezuzah: a parchment scroll inscribed with the verses of the Shema prayer is affixed to the right doorpost of every room in a Jewish home.
When you decide to affix a Mezuzah, there are several guidelines to follow, starting with the most basic:
A mezuzah must be attached on the upper third of the right -hand side of the doorway as one enters. The top of the mezuzah slants in towards the house or entrance to the room if you are Ashkenazic. If you are Sephardic or if the doorpost is not wide enough, it can be affixed vertically.
For more extensive details about the traditions around affixing the Mezuzah to a doorpost, including materials you may need, which rooms in the house, purchasing a parchment, blessings and more, you can go to these links:
The blessing for hanging a Mezuzah is:
, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשַׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לִקְבּוֹעַ מְזוּזָה
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha‘olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu lik’boa mezuzah.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who hallows us with Your mitzvot, and commands us to affix a mezuzah
We introduced a new line of Mezuzot at JewJu Box. They are simple, beautiful and can be affixed using non-permanent methods for dorms, hospital rooms or rentals. We provide (non-kosher) klafim (scrolls) for free or we can purchase kosher klafim on your behalf (at cost price). Our mezuzot are included in our Basic Box, and can be bought separately or added to any of our gift boxes or bags! They make a beautiful gift for anyone creating a new Jewish home. www.JewJuBox.ca/shop/p/removable-mezuzah
