The mitzvah
A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll, handwritten by a trained scribe (sofer), containing two paragraphs of the Torah: the Shema (Devarim 6:4–9) and Vehaya (Devarim 11:13–21). It is rolled up, often placed in a protective case, and attached to the doorposts of a Jewish home. The case is decoration — the scroll is the mitzvah.
The sources
“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
The Sages discuss exactly where on the doorpost it goes — the mitzvah is detailed, not decorative.
The Rambam’s explanation: every time a person enters or leaves, he meets the unity of Hashem and wakes up from the distractions of the day.
What you need
- A kosher scroll (klaf) from a reliable Judaica store or scribe — printed copies are not kosher
- A case (any material)
- Nails, screws or strong double-sided tape
- A pencil to mark the height
Step by step
- Buy a kosher scroll. Ask the seller who checked it. Printed or very cheap scrolls are usually not kosher.
- Choose the doorway. Every doorway to a room you live in gets one — the front door first. Bathrooms and very small closets do not.
- Find the right side: stand outside the room, facing in. The mezuzah goes on the right doorpost.
- Measure the height: the bottom of the top third of the doorpost (about shoulder height on a normal door), within about 3 inches of the outer edge (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 289:2).
- Roll the scroll from the end toward the beginning, so the word “Shema” is on the outside. Put it in the case, with the top of the scroll toward the top of the case.
- Hold it in place and say the blessing.
- Attach it right after the blessing. Ashkenazim tilt the top toward the inside of the room; Sephardim hang it straight up and down (Rema, Yoreh De’ah 289:6).
- Putting up several at once? One blessing covers them all — say it before the first.
What to say
English first, then the words to say out loud — sounded out so anyone can say them.
This page contains Hebrew prayer text with the Divine Name. If you print it, please treat it respectfully and dispose of it appropriately (in genizah).
Questions people ask
I rent. Do I need one?
Yes. Outside Israel, a renter puts one up within 30 days of moving in (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 286:22). Many people put it up right away.
How often should it be checked?
A scribe should check home mezuzot twice every seven years (Yoreh De’ah 291:1), since ink can crack or fade.
Why do people touch or kiss it?
It is a custom — a moment of awareness as you pass, not a requirement.
Can I do it myself?
Yes. Anyone can put up a mezuzah. Many people invite a rabbi or friend to make it a small celebration.
Your family’s way
Ashkenazim slant the mezuzah; Sephardim hang it vertically — each follows its tradition. Placement has many detailed laws (unusual doorways, sliding doors, porches, doors without a frame). If your doorway is anything but standard, ask a rabbi before putting it up — many will come and help.
The inner dimension
The back of the scroll bears the Divine name Shaddai. A well-known tradition reads it as an acronym: Shomer Delatot Yisrael — “Guardian of the doors of Israel.”
Put a kosher mezuzah on your front door this week.
These are general guidelines. Customs differ between communities, and for a personal question, ask a rabbi you trust.