How to Hang a Mezuzah

In 2005, former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon affixed a Mezuzah to a doorway in Auschwitz.

A Mezuzah is a small case attached to the door posts of Jewish homes. The case contains a scroll with the words of Torah (the bible). As someone enters or leaves through the doorway, the Mezuzah is a reminder to follow the words of God. The Mezuzah must be hung according to strict rules, but the process is relatively simple and the practice is commonly shared with the family.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Obtain a Mezuzah for the door post of each room in the house except for bathrooms. Some Jewish households in the United States put them only on the front and back doors of their homes. The Mezuzah should contain a scroll that has been deemed Kosher.

2. Before attaching the Mezuzah to a door post, say the blessing "Boruch Atah A-do-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha-olam asher kidishanu b'miyzvotov v'tzivanu likboa Mezuzah." It translates to "Blessed are You, Wonderous One, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with the commandments and commanded us to affix a Mezuzah."

3. If more than one Mezuzah will be hung at the same time, only one blessing is said.

4. The Mezuzah is hung on the right door post of the person entering the room. It is slanted with the top pointed to the inside of the room. It should be hung in the upper third of the door post and around shoulder height. Most Mezuzahs are hung with small nails.

Tips & Warnings

• The Mezuzah should be tipped with the top pointed to the inside of the room.

• Some Mezuzah are extremely fragile, be sure not to damage it when fastening it to the door past.

References

• Judaism.com