What’s
INSIDE
Matters

Is your
Mezuzah
Kosher?

Learn more about Mezuzah

What is a Mezuzah?

The word mezuzah (מזוזה) means “doorpost,” and it refers to a small parchment scroll upon which the words of the Shema are carefully handwritten by a trained scribe. This scroll is rolled and placed inside a decorative mezuzah case, which is then affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes and businesses.

While the case can be made from any material and serve as a beautiful expression of Jewish pride, the essential component is the scroll inside.

Affixing a mezuzah connects us to generations past and continues a sacred tradition that dates back to Biblical times. It serves as a constant reminder of G‑d’s presence and brings blessing and protection to all who dwell within.

It takes:

22 Lines

713
Letters

4,649
Laws

for an ordained
scribe to write a
kosher mezuzah.

What Makes a
Mezuzah Kosher?

The mezuzah scroll contains the first two paragraphs of the Shema, beginning with:

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל ה’ אֱלֹ-הֵינוּ ה’ אֶחָד׃

“Hear, O Israel, the L‑rd is our G‑d, the L‑rd is One.”

These verses include the commandment:

וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל־מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ׃

“You shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.”

Each mezuzah scroll must be handwritten by an expert scribe (sofer) according to a complex set of laws. The scroll must be written on parchment (klaf) prepared from a kosher animal, using specially formulated ink and a quill. Every single letter must be properly formed. Even a small crack, smudge, or omission can render the mezuzah invalid. Printed scrolls are not kosher. Always purchase mezuzahs from a reputable source.

On the back of the scroll, the scribe writes one of G‑d’s names, Sha-dai, which stands for meaning “Guardian of the doorways of Israel.” This is why many mezuzah cases feature the Hebrew letter shin (ש).

Where should
Mezuzahs be placed?

A mezuzah should be affixed to virtually every doorway in your home or business. Exceptions include bathrooms and small closets.

 

Placement guidelines:

  • On the right side of the doorway as one enters.
  • In the upper third of the doorpost.
  • Right-side up.
  • Tilted slightly inward toward the room.

On the exterior front door, the mezuzah is placed on the right side as one enters. For internal rooms, determining the correct placement can be more nuanced. Consult a rabbi to ensure proper observance.

Even if you’re renting your home or apartment, Jewish law requires placing a mezuzah. Typically, this is done after 30 days of residence.

Blessing for
Affixing a Mezuzah

Before placing the mezuzah on the doorpost,
recite the following blessing immediately before affixing it:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’, אֱ-להֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעולָם
אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָנוּ בְּמִצְותָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לִקְבֹּעַ מְזוּזָה

Transliteration:
Baruch atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu lik’boa mezuzah.

Translation:
Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

NOTE: If affixing more than one mezuzah at the same time, the blessing is recited only once.

Why do we affix

a Mezuzah?

In addition to being a mitzvah (Biblical commandment), the mezuzah reminds us that spirituality belongs in our homes and workplaces, not just our synagogues.

It proclaims that G‑d’s presence belongs at the center of our daily lives. Every time we pass through a doorway and see or touch the mezuzah, often kissing our fingertips, it reminds us that we are never alone: G‑d’s protection is with us always.

Our sages teach that the mezuzah is like a spiritual helmet, shielding those who dwell in the home, both inside and out.

The Torah promises:

…לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם עַל הָאֲדָמָה

“So that your days and the days of your children will be prolonged…”

(Deuteronomy 11:21)

וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל־מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם עַל הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע ה׳ לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם

And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates–so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the L-rd swore to your forefathers to give to them

Mezuzah Maintenance

Mezuzahs should be checked by a qualified scribe at least twice every seven years. Even if the scroll was kosher when first purchased, natural aging or damage can compromise its validity.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, encouraged those experiencing difficulties, whether in health, livelihood, or family matters, to have their mezuzahs and tefillin checked as a spiritual remedy.

Purchasing Kosher
Mezuzah Scrolls

A kosher mezuzah scroll, carefully handwritten by a trained scribe, typically ranges in price from $60 to $200 or more, depending on size, script, and quality. To purchase a kosher mezuzah or to have your scrolls checked, contact your local Chabad Center, or order from a trusted scribe or Judaica source.

Start with the front door, and work toward placing a mezuzah on every eligible doorway, surrounding yourself and your loved ones with ongoing holiness and protection.