Q&A for How to Hang a Mezuzah

A mezuzah does not require a specific surface material, so you can hang it on concrete.

No, you are not. Nevertheless, you should ask yourself, "Will I be abiding by the words written on the scroll within the mezuzah, both within and outside these gates or doorposts?" If your answer is no, it's better not to hang the mezuzah. If you plan to try hard to do so, then you should absolutely feel free to put up the mezuzah.

According to tradition, this mitzvah dates back to the time when the Jews entered Israel. The earliest physical evidence of mezuzahs dates to the second Temple period (530 BCE-70 CE). A mezuzah parchment was found in a cave in Qumran, and some sentences from Deuteronomy could be made out.

Jewish religious-goods stores and Jewish websites sell them. The parchment has to be kosher.

A mezuzah should be placed on the outside unless there is a concern that it will be stolen or cause danger. You should consult with a Rabbi to determine if there is a leniency in your case depending on the facts of your situation.

On the right. It always goes on the right, regardless of where your doorknob is.

You don't need a door for a mezuzah. I was told not to hang mezuzahs in closets and bathrooms.

If you're selling your home to a Jew, you should leave it up; you can even collect a reasonable price for it from the new occupant. Even if they have their own mezuzahs, they should be the ones to remove it or instruct you in removing it.

Yes, a woman can and should make the bracha (blessing) and put up the mezuzah herself.

Yes, it should.

Since there is an argument amongst rabbis about whether the mezuzah is supposed to be straight or sideways, we make a compromise.

It should be fine, but the cracks can leave a mezuzah, especially one closer to the outside of the house or other areas of climate change, more vulnerable to damage.

The mezuzah hangs to the right. In some places, where there is crime, some people put mezuzahs inside their homes nailed on the wall in a vertical position.

While this can be done, the Gemara recommends leaving your own mezuzahs up for the next owners and purchasing new ones.

It's place on the side with the doorknob.

Hang the mezuzah before the hinge on the exterior side of the door so that when the door opens, it swings away from it.

Yes. My mother's mezuzahs were on the wooden door frames with storm doors on the outside of the house.

If the mezuzah that used to be in your house had a kosher scroll, then you should put it in a Genizah. If you are not sure weather it is kosher or not, or if you do not know what a Genizah is, just give the mezuzah to your local Chabad Lubavitch rabbi. He will know what to do. If you do not have a Chabad near you, then you can bring it to your usual rabbi -- he will instruct you on what to do.

The text on the reverse should be on the outside of the scroll, consequently, the verses (which are not a blessing incidentally, but simply Torah verses) should be on the inside.

Yes, if the door post is too narrow, then it may be placed straight up. In fact, Sephardic, Mizrahi, and some other types of Jews place it straight-up from the outset.

The obligation to leave your mezuzahs up depends on whether people moving in after you are Jewish. If the buyers will also be living in the home, then you would generally take the mezuzahs with you. If you know that Jews will be moving in (i.e. the buyers will rent it out), then that is a different situation. You may want to ask a Rabbi and provide the full details of your situation.

If you only take the mezuzah off for a short time, it's a matter of doubt whether a blessing is required. In cases of doubt about a blessing, you generally should not recite a blessing.

Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo lik-boh-ah meh-zoo-zah. 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.

“You shall write [these words] upon the mezuzot—doorposts—of your house and upon your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:9.

You should nail it in if possible. Choose the most permanent manner of affixing it possible. Double sided tape that is reliable is also acceptable.

Generally speaking, the mitzvah is to put the mezuzah on the outside doorpost unless there is a physical reason preventing it. Of course, if there is a fear of danger, this must be considered. It may be most advisable to consult a Rabbi knowledgeable about the situation in your area to determine if it would be appropriate or possible to put it on the inside.

If it is not physically possible to put it on the inside of the doorpost, it may be put on the outside of the doorpost. If it is not possible to put it on the outside as long as it is within about three inches (7.5 cm) from the opening of the doorway.

Your measurements are right. It should be at the bottom of the top third. Only if you had an unusually high door would you then place it at shoulder height.

Yes. Any room that is approximately 6.3 feet by 6.3 feet (39.6 square feet) and has a full doorway, requires a mezuzah. That includes bedrooms, garages (which would include around 2 or 3 mezuzahs at each doorway), the kitchen, the dining room, and the family room. Attics would require one as well, unless the door leading to it is a swinging trapdoor. However, shower rooms, dressing rooms, rooms smaller than 36 feet, and any room that does not have a full doorway, should not have a mezuzah.

If you have a pillar or something similar at the front of your house by the door, then you can put it there.