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Mezuzahs 101: How to Hang One

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What is a Mezuzah?

The word itself sounds like a sneeze, after which you are tempted to say, "God bless you." And that wouldn't be completely wrong. A mezuzah is a form of protection against spiritual and physical harm. 

A Biblical commandment tells us to “…inscribe them on the doorposts (mezuzot) of your house and on your gates.” The scroll, called a klaf, contains Hebrew verses from the Shema prayer, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Kosher scrolls are carefully hand written by a scribe on parchment, then rolled and sealed tightly inside a protective case. Some people think the container itself is the the mezuzah. That is not the case (excuse the pun)!

Some may see it as protection for those from both spiritual and physical harm. Others consider it a badge of jewish pride for your home, or even a trendy piece of home decor. Children love to stand on tiptoe or jump up to kiss it.

To summaraize: what is a mezuzah, and why would you want one for your home?

A mezuzah is a handwritten scroll, called a “klaf,” containing the Shema prayer, which is placed inside a decorative case and affixed to a doorpost in the home. The case protects the scroll from outside elements while adding a touch of style to the home.

The goal of a mezuzah is to protect the home and those inside from physical and spiritual harm.

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Why do we hang mezuzahs?

A Biblical commandment tells us to “…inscribe them on the doorposts (mezuzot) of your house and on your gates.” The scroll, called a klaf, contains Hebrew verses from the Shema prayer, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The scrolls are carefully written by a scribe on parchment, then rolled and sealed tightly inside a protective case. Some people think the container itself is the the mezuzah. That is not the case (excuse the pun)!

Many Jewish homes contain mezuzahs on every doorway. A mezuzah should be affixed to the doorpost of each room in the home and place of business (including basement, attic, and garage). They should not be placed at the entrance to a bathroom.

When you buy a new home it’s cause for celebration. Some people like to throw a party for their friends and family when putting up mezuzahs in the new place. Have fun with it! People may bring you mezuzot as gifts, to say congratulations and to wish you mazel (fortune) and hatzlacha (success) in your home.

It’s important to check mezuzah scrolls every so often for accuracy. If a single letter is smudged or cracked, the entire scroll is not kosher and should be fixed as soon as possible. It is customary to get mezuzahs checked at least twice every seven years.

Now that you’ve gained an appreciation for this wonderful mitzvah, you’ll want to decide the kinds of mezuzahs you’ll want to buy. Mezuzah cases range in just about every style, color, and size you can imagine.

  • Mickie Caspi has a wide array of whimsical designs perfect for the young or young at heart.
  • Wordplay Graphics  makes eye-popping mezuahs from wood that are perfect for a 7cm scroll.
  • For something extra special, like a wedding gift or shul donation acknowledgement gift
  • Studio Armadillo and CeMMent are two artists that put out stunning contemporary mezuzah cases that will look beautiful on your doorpost.
  • Quest is a popular judaica line with a number of options your children will love. 
  • Michael Aram creates sleek cases for a modern twist on an ancient tradition.

If you love mezuzah accessories, check through our selection of elegant and classic mezuzah necklaces.

Whatever your style, there are mezuzot and covers designed to suit you and your home. You’ll be hung up on our mezuzahs for sure!

How To Hang A Mezuzah

For specifics on how to hang your mezuzahs, please consult your local Rabbi.

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The mezuzah is affixed:

  • On the right doorpost as one enters.
  • Ashkenazi Jews place it in a slanted position with top pointed to inside of room. Sephardim place the mezuzah vertically.
  • In the upper third of doorpost height (shoulder high).
  • On the outer 3.2 inches of doorpost width.

 Before affixing a kosher mezuzah to a doorpost, recite the following blessing:

The blessing to be said when hanging a mezuzah.

Boruch Atah A-do-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha-olam asher kiddishanu b'mivtzvotav v'tzivanu likbo’a mezuzah.

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 you’re putting up more than one mezuzah at a time, only one blessing is recited. When affixing a mezuzah to an archway, no blessing is recited.

 Looking for some mezuzot? Below are our favorite contemporary options, or you can browse our entire collection here.