Part II: Yoreh De'ah
Chapter 23 - THE DOORPOST SCROLL (MEZUZAH)
We are commanded to write out the verses in Deut. 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 and
to attach them to our doorposts (285:1;291:3); this attachment is called
a MEZUZAH. The verses must be written on a single sheet (288:1,4),
preferably in a single column (288:1-2) and in lines of equal length (288:9).
The material and the ink must be the same as those used for a Torah scroll
(288:5-7) and the sheet must be ruled (288:8). Small margins must be left
on the top and bottom (see 288:1,14). The text must be written in order
(288:3) and with the right hand (288:12). It is customary to use 22 lines
(288:11) with the last two words at the beginning of the last line (288:10)
and with the second passage beginning (after a space) on the last line of
the first passage (288:13) and to write the Divine Name Sh-D-Y on the
reverse of the sheet opposite this space (see 288:15). A MEZUZAH should
be inspected every few years (see 291:1).
The sheet is rolled up from its end and inserted into a tube (with a gap in
it to allow the Divine Name to be seen) and the tube is attached to the
upright post of the door (289:5), preferably in its outer handsbreadth
(285:2;289:2) and at the bottom of its upper third (but at least a
handsbreadth below the lintel; see 289:2-3); it must be on the side to the
right of a person who is entering (289:2). It is attached to the surface
of the doorpost or inserted into a hole less than a handsbreadth deep
(289:4). The tube is placed diagonally with the beginning of the text
highest and closest to the inside of the doorway (289:6). The person who
attaches it first recites the blessing "...Who commanded us to affix a
MEZUZAH" (289:1).
Every doorway or gateway must have a MEZUZAH provided it has a lintel and
two doorposts that are at least 10 handsbreadths high (287:1-2) and provided
it is the entrance to a Jewish-owned space which is used for purposes of
dignified living (see 286:1-7,10-12). The space should have an area of at
least 16 square cubits (see 286:13) and should be roofed (286:14); opinions
differ as to whether it must have a door (286:15). If a space has more
than one door each of them requires a MEZUZAH (see 286:8-9,16-18,20-21); on
a trapdoor see 286:19. A person who rents a house is required to affix a
MEZUZAH (outside the land of Israel: after 30 days; 286:22) and should not
take it with him when he leaves unless the house belongs to a non-Jew or
the next resident will be a non-Jew; see 286:23 and 291:2.
Shulchan Aruch, Copyright (c) 2000 ProjectGenesis, Inc.
