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 passages of Shema are written in the Mezuzah. On the outside, there are three letters representing one of Hashem's names.

Yes, it's a good idea and completely permissible to protect the scroll from the elements.

Mezuzahs are typically hung on the door lintel; placing one inside is also fine, though it is not the traditional purpose.

You should hang the mezuzah on the right side of the door. It should be the right side based on when you enter the room.

No, a mezuzah should always be put on the right side of the door.T his is the requirement and does not change, even if it is an inconvenience.

The words are from a Jewish prayer - שמע, ישראל, יקוק, יקוק אחד. The most important engraving on the mezuzah is the name of God that means, "Protect the gates of Israel."

Yes. It is still part of the doorpost and it's just so you can see it and kiss it as a reminder. So as long as it's on the doorpost, you're good.

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

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.

The angle is a compromise between two major rabbinic authorities: one says it should be hung horizontally, the other vertically. Ashkenazim traditionally place it at an angle to honor both views.

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.

No. A mezuzah is only put on a doorpost of a house or a gate that you are living in for more than 30 days. So a coffin is not considered a home, it is more a bed really, so you would not put a mezuzah on it.