Chapter 11:10-12
The Mitzvah of Mezuzoh
10. A house only requires a mezuzoh if it is four cubits by four cubits. If
it is not four cubits by four cubits, even though it is more than sixteen
square cubits in area - i.e., its shape is rectangular or circular, some
authorities require a mezuzoh and others do not. *
* {The Misgeres Hashulchon (6) explains that rooms within a house require a
mezuzoh even though they are smaller than this size, if they serve a
specific purpose - e.g. storage - or they lead to larger rooms.}
11. . An entrance does not require a mezuzoh unless it has two doorposts, at
least ten hand-breadths high, and a lintel. Even if the doorposts are not
made of wood or other separate stones, but are merely the walls of the
house with the ceiling over them, a mezuzoh is required.
[The following rules apply when] a room has only one doorpost and the wall
of the room continues beyond the doorway on the other isem as depicted:
If the doorpost is on the left side, a mezuzoh is not required; if it is on
the right side, there is a question whether a mezuzoh is required or not.
Therefore one should be affixed without a blessing. Alternatively, one may
affix it after affixing a mezuzoh on a doorway that does require a mezuzoh
as well. This practice should be followed in all cases where a question
exists regarding whether a mezuzoh is required or not.
12. An entrance which has two doorposts but has an arch instead of a
lintel; or alternatively, it also lacks doorposts, but the arch extends to
the ground: if it is at least ten hand-breadths high* and four
hand-breadths wide, it requires a mezuzoh.
* {According to the Rambam's opinion, a mezuzoh is not required unless the
entrance extends directly upward for at least ten hand-breadths. Therefore,
if the entire entrace way is arched, the mezuzoh should be affixed without
reciting a blessing. (Misgeres Hashulchon 9).}
Regarding those stores which have one doorpost extending from the ground
until the lintel and one which does not reach the lintel, but rather, one
removes a space of a cubit or more from the wall:
{The text contains two drawings of a doorway with a wide cut-out on either
the left or right-hand side, which would leave an open window if there was
a closed door in the doorway.}
If the doorpost which reaches the lintel is on the right side as a person
enters, the mezuzoh is affixed to that doorpost. If the short doorpost is
on the right as one enter, one should affix the mezuzoh to it if it is at
least ten hand-breadths long. If it is not ten hand-breadths long, the
mezuzoh is affixed to the wide portion.
