Mezuzah: Difference between revisions

#Every doorway of one's house is obligated in mezuzah. Even if a room has several doorways, each one is obligated in having a mezuzah. If a doorway isn't used for entering it doesn't need a mezuzah.<ref>Maharil (responsa 94) bemoans the fact that many people think that it is sufficient to have one mezuzah per house when in fact every doorway requires its own mezuzah. The Darkei Moshe 286:4 cites the Maharil. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:1 concurs.</ref>

#The doorpost of a cellar that is [[lying]] flat on the ground is not obligated in having a mezuzah.<ref>Chaye Adam 15:15 writes that a cellar door on the floor is exempt from mezuzah based on Kiddushin 22b that states that a doorpost lying on the ground isn't considered a doorpost. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:20 and Aruch Hashulchan YD 286:41 concur.</ref>

===Minimum Size of Room===

[[Image:T shaped room.png|200px|right]]

#A doorway is only obligated in a mezuzah if the room has 4 by 4 [[amot]] of space. If there's not 4 by 4 square [[amot]] but there is the same amount of area, such as 2 by 8 [[amot]], there is a dispute whether the doorway is obligated in a mezuzah. In such a case one should put up a mezuzah without a bracha, or recite a bracha when putting up a mezuzah in a doorway that is obligated and then put up this mezuzah.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:10 records a dispute between the Rambam and Rosh on this matter. Shulchan Aruch YD 286:13 writes the opinion of the Rambam that if the room has an area of 4 by 4 [[amot]] even if it isn't a square it is obligated in a mezuzah. The Shach 286:23 notes that the opinion of the Rosh is that the doorway isn't obligated unless there is a 4 by 4 [[amot]] square area. Due to this dispute, the Shach concludes that one should put up the mezuzah without a bracha or recite a bracha when putting up a mezuzah in a doorway that is obligated and then put up this mezuzah. Binyan Tzion 99 follows Shulchan Aruch.</ref>

#If a room is four by four amot even if there large items such as a refrigerator or oven in that room and it is normally there and enables the room to be used normally it is obligated in a mezuzah.<ref>Mezuzah Vehilchoteha 9:3 writes that if there are large items in a room such as a refrigerator or oven they don't minimize the space of the room and count towards the four by four amot since they are normally there and enhance the use of the room. His sources include: Halichot Olam v. 8 p. 285, Maharsham 3:263, Shevet Halevi 2:187, and Chovat Hadar 4 fnt. 22. Chut Shani p. 83 suggests that the cabinets do not minimize the space since they aid use of the kitchen. He is certain though that the refrigerator and oven which are moveable do not minimize the space. Even the oven which is attached to a gas line doesn't minimize the space since it is moveable within the kitchen.</ref>

*However, the [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=37191&pgnum=18 Mikdash Me'at 287:1:5] suggests that perhaps a roof can function as a lintel. Also, the Chovat Hadar 7:5 fnt. 8 equates the issue with that of having the edge of a roof function as a lintel to the opinion of the Rosh who holds that the edge of a wall can function as a doorpost. The Netivot in [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=31812&st=&pgnum=49 Derech Hachaim Siddur 239:1] also holds that a roof can serve as a lintel. Minchat Yitzchak 10:91 explains that a roof doesn't function as a lintel but if the roof has an edge where the door is, according to some opinions, it functions as a lintel. Yet, if the roof extends beyond the door in both directions it doesn't function as a lintel. He compares it to the dispute between the Rama 630:2 and Magen Avraham 630:2 if there's doorposts and no lintel if that can serve as a tzurat hapetach. He admits that it seems not to be a proof though from further analysis. Yalkut Yosef (Sova Somachot v. 1, Mekomot Hachayavim n. 16) agrees.

*Adoney Paz 2:121:1 sides with the Chazon Ish though he recommends being strict for all opinions to put up a mezuzah without a bracha. Mezuzah Vehilchoteha 10:3 concurs.

===Small Room Opening into Big Room===

===Screen Door Before the Front Door===

#If there are two doorframes one in front of the other if they're within 1 amah of each other it is considered one doorway and one mezuzah on the outermost tefach suffices. However, if there is a space of more than 1 amah, they each require a separate mezuzah.<ref>Chovat Hadar 8:3:1 fnt. 3 writes that if there are two doorframes one in front of the other if they're within 1 amah of each other it is considered one doorway and one mezuzah on the outermost tefach suffices. However, if there is a space of more than 1 amah, they each require a separate mezuzah. Shaarei Hamezuzah 12:8 agrees. Hatorah Vehamitzvah (v. 2 ch. 137 pp. 611-612) distinguishes whether or not it is possible to use the area between the doorways in which case it is two doorframes, otherwise it is one long entrance and only one mezuzah is necessary.</ref>

#A storage room requires a mezuzah.<ref>The Gemara Yoma 11a cites a dispute between Rav Kahana and Rav Yehuda if a storage room needs a mezuzah if it isn't used for anything else. Rav Kahana held that this was a dispute in the tenayim. The Rif (Mezuzah 6b) and Rosh (Mezuzah no. 15) hold that it is obligated, while the Rambam Mezuzah 6:7 holds it is not. Shulchan Aruch YD 286:2 accepts the opinion of the Rif. Yalkut Yosef YD 285:30 writes that one should put up a mezuzah without a bracha. Aruch Hashulchan 286:9 agrees. There are a number of Acharonim who suggest that it is best to avoid making a beracha since there are Rishonim who rule that a storage room does not require a mezuzah at all. Rav Wosner in Kovetz Mbet Levi v. 2 p. 127 also writes to put up a mezuzah on a storage room without a bracha. Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Parsha Sedura n. 16 organizes the rishonim. He summarizes that the Rambam, Ritva, Meiri, Riaz, Smag, Tosfot Rid, Lekach Tov, Seda Lderech, and Tosfot Menachot hold it is exempt, but the Shiltot, Bahag, Rabbenu Chananel, Rif, Rosh, eshkol, Yereyim, Smag, Chinuch, Mordechai, Rabbenu Yerucham, Tur, Rabbenu Yohanatan, Hashlama, Piskei Rid, Orchot Chaim, and Shulchan Aruch hold it is obligated. Rabbi Akiva Eiger 1:66 holds it is obligated with a bracha.</ref>

#If there's a storage room such as an attic that you only use twice a year it is considered as though he doesn't use it at all and it doesn't require a mezuzah. However, if it is used more frequently such as once a month then it is obligated.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter in “The Laws of Mezuzah” (min 0-2)]. See Rama 286:18 and Shach 286:26. This is also the opinion of Rav Wosner (Kovetz Mbet Levi v. 2 p. 127). Chovat Hadar ch. 2 fnt. 12 writes that it seems from the poskim that a storage room is only obligated because frequently a person goes in an out but if a person doesn't use it regularly he shouldn't be obligated. However, he admits that he didn't find the poskim who said this and instead it seems that they obligate a storage room in all cases. Igrot Moshe YD 2:141 holds that a storage room is obligated in a mezuzah even if it isn't used frequently even if it is only used once every few years. Orchot Rabbenu v. 3 p. 165 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman said that the minhag of Yerushalayim is to put up a mezuzah for a storage room even if it is only used twice a year (as explained by Arugot Bosem Menachot p. 334). Rav Elyashiv in Kovetz Teshuvot 1:117 implies that a storage room is always obligated as long as you have access to enter. Mezuzah Vehilchoteh 3:4 writes that a room that is used even once a year needs a mezuzah.  

#A garage is obligated in a mezuzah without a bracha since it is used for storage.<ref>Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:647, Mezuzah Vehilchoteha 4:7 citing Az Nidbaru 3:58 and Minchat Yitzchak 10:97</ref>

#A walk-in freezer is not obligated in a mezuzah. A walk-in refrigerator is obligated in a mezuzah without a bracha.<ref>Rav Wosner (Kovetz Mbet Levi v. 2 p. 127)</ref>

#According to the poskim that you need a double cover, if the scroll is rolled up inside the case and the case isn't clear, if the covering was put intentionally to be a double covering as is the common custom it is considered a double covering.<ref>Chachmat Adam 128:10, Mishna Brurah 40:7, Kaf Hachayim 40:19. Ahava Achva Vshalom p. 121 quotes Rav Elyashiv as holding like Chachmat Adam. Maharsham in Daat Torah 40:2 cites the Chachmat Adam.</ref> Some poskim consider that one a single cover and would require an external cover when a couple is going to be together.<ref>Orchot Rabbenu v. 3 p. 175 n. 34 quotes the Chazon Ish and Steipler as disagreeing with the Chachmat Adam. If there's a double covering that is the usually there it is considered like a single covering even if it was put there intentionally to be a double cover. This can also be found in Igrot Vereshimot Kehilat Yakov v. 5 p. 266 of the Steipler. It also quotes this from Meorer Yeshenim. Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Daat Noteh v. 3 p. 461 agrees. Mechzeh Eliyahu 1:8:28 p. 74 is strict and quotes many who are strict including: Gidulei Hekdesh 4, Mateh Yehuda 40, Chesed Lalafim, Divrei Chamudot n. 46, Derech Hachayim, Yad Ketana, and Pri Megadim OC EA 240:17.</ref>

#Accordingly, if the mezuzah wasn't wrapped before it was put in the case or if you follow the stringent opinions above, before the couple is together the mezuzah should be covered with an external covering such as a piece of clothing. Even if the case is clear it counts as a single cover.<ref>See above notes. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Schachter (Laws of Mezuzah min 55-6)] cites both opinions but seems to be strict to cover the mezuzah with a cloth if it is on the inside and the couple is going to be together. Mishna Brurah 40:7 clarifies that it is sufficient if one of the covers is not designated for the mezuzah. (Avnei Nezer YD 383:1 explains that something inside a double covering is like it isn't in the house at all.)</ref>

===Shul and Bet Midrash===

#According to many poskim an office or store is obligated in a mezuzah even if it is only opened by day. However, since some poskim hold that it doesn't require a mezuzah if it isn't used by night in such a case a mezuzah should be put up without a bracha.<ref>The Gemara Yoma 10a establishes that according to the rabbis a sukkah does not require a mezuzah since it is a temporary dwelling. The Tur YD 286:11 extends this to a boat and store that are also considered a temporary dwelling which doesn't require a mezuzah. The Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 286:11 concurs. The Taz 286:10 explains that even if the store is used every day it is exempt since no one lives in it at night. He adds obviously that if someone has a store in their house they require a mezuzah. However, the Perisha 286:22 wonders if store nowadays are exempt since they are permanent. In fact, the Pitchei Teshuva 286:14 cites the [https://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=14428&pgnum=43 Yad HaKetana 2:21] who argues that a store that is set up for a temporary marketplace for a week or so is exempt from a mezuzah, but an established store requires a mezuzah. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:14, Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:647, Rav Poalim YD 2:36, Yabia Omer YD 10:58:28, Yalkut Yosef YD 285:36, Rav Chaim Kanievsky on Masechet Mezuzah 1:16 agree with the Yad HaKetana. See further Halichot Olam v. 8 p. 302. Yabia Omer YD 10:58:28 holds that a mezuzah can be put up with a bracha. Yalkut Yosef writes that a mezuzah should be put up without a bracha because of the dispute but if someone recites a bracha they have what to rely upon. Mezuzah Vehilchoteha 4:1 agrees. Teshuvot Vehanhagot and Rav Wosner in Kovetz Mbet Levi (5753 v. 2 p. 127) hold that a mezuzah is put up without a bracha. The Ohel Aryeh 4:8 writes that perhaps the Taz would agree nowadays since the stores are open partially into the night and since it is used by day and night it is considered permanent.</ref>

#Some say that a school requires a mezuzah just as a store does.<ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 285:38</ref>

#If a Jew owns or rents an office all of the doorways require a mezuzah, even the office rooms that are designated for non-Jews, as long as the Jew uses the room on occasion.<ref>Aruch Hashulchan YD 286:4 writes that if a Jew has a room for his non-Jewish worker that room needs a mezuzah. See Daat Kedoshim 285:17. Beero Shel Avraham YD 1:33 writes that a non-Jewish worker in a yeshiva who has a private room to stay if the worker works at any time when he's needed such as to fix things his room requires a mezuzah. However, if he works specific hours and part of his salary is his private room then it is exempt from a mezuzah.</ref>

===Elevator===

#Some say that the entrances on each floor to the elevator should have a mezuzah on the right from the elevator to the building.<ref>Lehorot Natan 3:72, Rav Elyashiv (Ashrei Haish YD 286), Rav Wosner (Kovetz Mbet Levi v. 2 p. 129). Minchat Yitzchak 4:93 holds one should put up a mezuzah on the elevator cab itself on the right side going in and not each floor. Teshuvot Vehanahgot 2:547 agrees. Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein (Tuvcha Yabiu - Hilchot Shecheinim 34) also holds that even if the elevator itself is not 4 by 4 amot, the doorpost from the hallway that leads into the elevator requires a mezuzah.

*Regarding the first point, there is a nuanced difference between the Lehorot Natan and Minchat Yitzchak. Minchat Yitzchak thinks that fundamentally the elevator should be exempt since it isn't meant for significant dwelling as it continually moves. However, since it allows passageway to houses it is obligated like a bet shaar, which doesn't meet the criteria for mezuzah but is obligated since it allows entrance to houses. This is the opinion of the Chamudei Doniel who obligates a bet shaar even though it lacks the area of 4x4 amot. Lehorot Natan responds that he believes the Chamudei Doniel is incorrect. However, if the elevator is 4x4 amot it is considered a bet shaar because of its function to enable passage from floor to floor and ultimately to houses.

===Buses, Caravans, and RVs===

#If one lives in a caravan that is stationary for a long time one should put up a mezuzah without a bracha.<ref>Mezuzah Vhilchoteha 6:5 citing Aruch Hashulchan 286:26, Minchat Yitzchak 2:82</ref> The mezuzah should be put up after it is parked where it is meant to stay.<ref>Mezuzah Vhilchoteha 6:7</ref>

#The doorway to a courtyard or city is obligated in having a mezuzah on the right side as one enters.<ref>Yoma 12a, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 286:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:2-3</ref> In a city that has some non-Jews the city gate does not need a mezuzah.<ref>Yoma 11a. Rama YD 286:1 quoting the Aguda that even if some non-Jews live in the city they are exempt from mezuzah on the city gate. The Taz 286:3 explains that the exemption is based on a danger.</ref>

#The electrical posts used for an eruv do not need a mezuzah even though they function as doorways.<ref>Chazon Ish YD 172:3 writes that even though the electrical posts with the wires on top can serve as doorways to enclose an eruv for Shabbat (under certain conditions) they do not need a mezuzah since the mezuzah won't be guarded and also it might be a partially owned by non-Jews which would be exempt. [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter in “The Laws of Mezuzah” (min 48-53)] explained that the factors why we don’t put up a mezuzah for a communal eruv are both because it might get ruined by weather or stolen. Additionally, it is because the Derech Hachaim Siddur writes that since the poles don’t divide the way the area is used (tashmisho echad) and it is more open than it is closed (omed murebeh al haparutz) for mezuzah purposes the poles don’t create a doorway. Therefore, an eruv doesn't require a mezuzah even in a Jewish community.</ref>

===Apartment Buildings===

===Double Doors===

[[Image:Double doors with poll.jpg|200px|right]]

==Doorway in a Room==

==How the mezuzah should be placed==

===Which Is the Right Side?===

#The criteria by which one can determine which side the mezuzah should be used in the follow order. For other opinions of how to order these criteria see footnote.<ref>*According to [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter] the rules are ordered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. This is repeated in another [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/900758/rabbi-hershel-schachter/highlights-of-hilchos-mezuzah-renting-rules-height/ shiur].

*According to Igrot Moshe YD 4:43 the rules are ordered 2, 4, 3, 5. Teshuva M'ahava 1:61, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=37191&st=&pgnum=27 Mikdash Me'at 289:18]. Minchat Yitzchak 1:89 and 3:47, Chovat Hadar 8:1:4, Aruch Hashulchan 289:8, and Yalkut Yosef (Sova Semachot v. 1 Makom Vseder Keviyut Mezuzah fnt. 76) agree.

*Igrot Moshe 4:43:4 writes that rule of majority of walking trumps the rule of usage and also the rule of doorway. His logic is that the room that is used more is only an indication of which way people walk a majority of the time but the main factor is the way people walk. He holds that the way people enter a majority of the time is an application of the deoritta halacha to put a mezuzah on the right as a person enters.</ref>

##'''Majority of Walking''': If the position isn't determined by entry or by which is used more frequently it can be determined by which room people walk from one room to another; if majority of the times people enter in one direction the mezuzah is placed on the right of that direction.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter in “The Laws of Mezuzah” (min 34-42)] holds that the factor of looking at the majority of the way people walk one room to another trumps the rule of the way the door is placed. Aruch Hashulchan 289:8 and Igrot Moshe YD 1:176 agree. Hamezuzah Vehilchoteha 11:12 holds that this factor is to be used after the door rule. Chelkat Yakov YD 161 agrees.

##'''Doorway''': If the position of the mezuzah cannot be determined based on which direction is used for entry or which room is used more frequently it can be determined by the door. Since the door generally swings into the room (besides the outermost door of the house) the way the door swings can be considered the way one enters the room and the mezuzah is placed on the right side entering the room.<ref>Menachot 33a, Shulchan Aruch YD 289:3, Aruch Hashulchan 289:6. Chayei Adam 15:18 writes that היכר ציר depends on which way the door swings. Chovat Hadar (ch. 8 fnt. 10) agrees. See Rashi and Tur, however, who describe it as depending on whicch side the post upon which the door hangs is placed. Today the description of Rashi and Tur is irrelevant to most of our doors.</ref> However, if the mezuzah is determined based on the previous factors it doesn't matter which way the door swings.<ref>Mordechai cited by Bet Yosef YD 289, Shach 289:6, Aruch Hashulchan 289:7, Igrot Moshe YD 4:43:3, Hamezuzah Vehilchoteha 11:11</ref>

##'''Doubt''': If it is impossible to determine which side to put up the mezuzah based on the criteria of (1) whether the door is used more for entry or exiting, (2) which of the two rooms that the door connects is used more frequently, and (3) the door hinges because the door is used equally for entry and exiting, the two rooms are used equally and there is no door, according to some poskim there is no obligation to put up a mezuzah at all. Some poskim write that one should put up a mezuzah on both sides, but other poskim write that may not do so since it is [Bal Tosif], adding onto a mitzvah.<ref>The Yavetz 70 held that in a case of doubt that can't be resolved should have a mezuzah on both sides. The Maharam Shik YD 287 argues that this would violate the prohibition of adding a mitzvah, Bal Tosif.  

*Lenient: Yabia Omer 6:2:6 cites the Binyan Tzion 100 and Rav Shlomo Kluger in Kinat Sofrim 40 who say that it isn't since one is pasul and one is kosher (Shulchan Aruch OC 34:2 and Magen Avraham 34:3). [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter in “The Laws of Mezuzah” (min 34-42)] explained it was not Bal Tosif since one was only trying to be fulfill the mitzvah according to all opinions similar to wearing Rashi and Rabbenu Tam's tefillin simultaneously. See Rav Mordechai Eliyahu's comment to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:4 where he rights that if there is a doubt as to which side the mezuzah should be placed there is a safek as to what one should do.

*Exempt: Igrot Moshe YD 1:176 holds that if the direction in which the mezuzah should be put because it isn't used more for entry than exiting, the rooms it connects are used equally, and there is no door, then there is obligation to put up a mezuzah at all. He quotes the Yavetz who says to put up a mezuzah on both posts out of doubt but he disagrees. He also rejects the opinion of the questioner to put up a mezuzah on the side of his choice.

#The halacha that the mezuzah is placed on the right side of the door applies equally to a left handed person as well.<ref>Mordechai Halachot Ketanot 962, Bach 289:5, Shach 289:5, Levush 289:2, Chayei Adam 15:17, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:3, Aruch Hashulchan 289:5, Kuntres Hamezuzah (page 102, note 22). </ref>

#The side on which the mezuzah is placed depends on the norm of the people who use the house whether they own it, live there, are obligated in mezuzah or not. It doesn't depend on which way the homeowner wants to be the main direction of entry; it solely depends on which direction is used for more for entry in practice by the people who use it.<ref>Igrot Moshe YD 4:43:2 unlike the opinion of the [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=37191&pgnum=26 Daat Kedoshim 289:11]</ref>

#If there's a back door that opens to an enclosed backyard that is completely closed then the mezuzah should be placed on the right side going into the backyard.<ref>Maharil (responsa 94), Bet Yosef 289:3, Taz 289:3, Chelkat Yakov YD 161, Yabia Omer 6:23:6. The Chelkat Yakov writes that even though the Bet Meir and Chavot Daat ask on the Maharil since most poskim accept the Maharil we follow his opinion. His opinion is based on the concept that you walk from the house to the backyard and since the back door is an entrance to the backyard which has no other entrance then the mezuzah must be on the right entering the backyard. [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter in “The Laws of Mezuzah” (min 34-42)] agreed.  

#If the back door opens into a backyard that has a gate to a courtyard or street then the back door should have a mezuzah on the right side going into the house because the house is used more than the backyard.<ref>The Maharil (responsa 94) wrote that if the back door opens into a backyard that has a gate to a street then the direction of the mezuzah is determined by which way the door opens. Taz 289:3 quotes it. Chelkat Yakov YD 161 writes that even though the Maharil writes that when there are two doors to a backyard the mezuzah is determined by the way the door opens, the Levush holds that we would put up the mezuzah going into the house since it is used more than the backyard. Furthermore, the Bet Meir and Chavot Daat disagree with the Maharil altogether even when the backyard has no other exit. Therefore, the Chelkat Yakov concludes that since the house is used more than the courtyard that trumps the rule of the fact that the majority of the walking is from the house to the courtyard. Igrot Moshe YD 1:181 and Yeshuot Malko (Mezuzah 6:1) agreed with the distinction of the Chelkat Yakov of accepting the first case of the Maharil but not when the courtyard is open to the street. [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788640/rabbi-hershel-schachter/the-laws-of-mezuzah/ Rav Hershel Schachter in “The Laws of Mezuzah” (min 34-42)] agreed.</ref>

===Balcony or Porch===

#A roofed front porch that is open to the front yard or street and opens up to the house is obligated in a mezuzah. If it has 4 amot by 4 amot of space it is obligated in a mezuzah with a bracha. If the area it surrounds is 16 square amot, one should put up a mezuzah without a bracha.<ref>HaMezuzah VeHilchoteha 3:10</ref>

#A balcony or deck that opens to a house and has no other entrance or exit should have a mezuzah on the right going from the house to the balcony.<ref>The Maharil quoted by the Taz 289:4 writes that if a house opens to enclosed courtyard and it doesn't have any other opening then certainly the doorway to the courtyard is considered an entrance to the courtyard since there's no other way in. However, the Bet Meir 289 argues with the Maharil and says that since the house is used more than the courtyard it is considered an entrance into the house. Chazon Ish YD 168:5 (cited by Yabia Omer) and Binyan Tzion (cited by Chelkat Yakov) agree with the Bet Meir. Maharam Shik 287, Maharsham 1:71 and 3:154, and Chelkat Yakov YD 162 agree with the Maharil against the Bet Meir. The Daat Kedoshim agrees with the Bet Meir unless it is an area less than 4x4 amot which might not be obligated at all in which case he follows the Maharil. Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yabia Omer YD 4:23:6 cites the Masechet Mezuzah ch. 2 which amazingly has an explicit dispute between the Tana Kama and Rabbi Yosi about this exact case where a house opens to a courtyard that doesn't have another entrance. Rav Ovadia quotes dozens of sources whether we generally follow Rabbi Yosi over Tana Kama or not and additionally if it is possible to disregard this source since it is post-talmudic. In any event, he is convinced of the argument of the Bet Meir but still follows the opinion of the Maharil being that he was quoted by the Bet Yosef and is an earlier source.</ref>

#Even if the balcony is less than 4x4 amot and isn't roofed, according to Sephardim, the mezuzah should be placed on the right side going from the house to the balcony.<ref>Yabia Omer 4:23:6, Or Letzion 1:14, Hamezuzah Vehilchoteha 3:11. Or Letzion 1:14 writes that the minhag is to put a mezuzah on the right going from the house to the balcony. He explains that if the balcony is less than 4x4 amot it isn't considered obligated in a mezuzah in it of itself. Additionally, if it doesn't have a roof it isn't obligated in it of itself. However, since the balcony opens to the house which is obligated we can treat the balcony like a foyer (bet shaar) before the house which is obligated even if it is less than 4x4. However, the dispute is why the foyer is obligated. According to the Tosfot and Rosh it is only obligated rabbinically but it is obligated as a structure that is useful for its designated purpose. However, according to the Rambam, it is obligated biblically because it opens to a house. According to the Rambam the mezuzah should be placed on the right side going in from the balcony since the balcony is only obligated as it serves the house. However, according to the Tosfot and Rosh the mezuzah should be placed on the right side going from the house to the balcony as it is obligated in it of itself. Yet, the minhag is just to put a mezuzah on the right side going from the house to the balcony like the Rosh since perhaps we follow the Rosh and even if we don't we follow the opinion of the Chikrei Lev who holds that the balcony door can't be considered an entrance for the house since you can only use it if you first exited through it. He quotes that this was also the opinion of the Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef, Rav Ezra Attiyah. </ref> Ashkenazim hold that if the balcony is less than the equivalent of 16 square amot the mezuzah should be put on the right side going from the balcony into the house. But if it is more than the equivalent of 16 square amot the mezuzah is placed on the right side going from the house out to the balcony.<ref>Hamezuzah Vehilchoteha ch. 3 fnt. 19 cites the Chiko Mamtakim p. 359 who quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach has holding that a balcony that is 4x4 amot square or the equivalent should have the mezuzah from the house to the balcony like the Maharil, but if the balcony is smaller than that it should have a mezuzah on the right side from the balcony to the house like the Bet Meir, Chazon Ish, and Rabbi Akiva Eiger. Laws of Stam p. 212 quotes that Rav Moshe Feinstein, Or Letzion 1:14, and Minchat Yitzchak 1:8-9 that the mezuzah should be put on the right side going out. He also quotes that Rav Elyashiv, Rav Wosner, and Rav Nissim Karelitz held that the mezuzah should be put on the left side going out.</ref>

#The questions to clarify for whether a closet is obligated in a mezuzah and as to which side the mezuzah is placed depends on the following:

*Background: The Maharil (responsa 94) holds that the mezuzah is placed on the right side going to an enclosed courtyard since the courtyard is closed and the only way to enter it is from the house so the entrance is from the house to the courtyard. The Bet Meir 289 argues since the house is used more than the closet. The Chavot Daat cited by the Bet Meir agrees with Bet Meir but doesn’t feel he is entitled to disagree with the Maharil. Our case is analogous to that of the Maharil.

*Majority of achronim accept the Maharil. Taz 289:3, Maharam Shik 287, Maharsham 1:71 and 3:154, Chelkat Yakov YD 162, Yeshuot Malko (Mezuzah 6:1), Igrot Moshe YD 1:181, Or Letzion YD 1:14, and Yabia Omer YD 4:23:6 agree with Maharil in this case. Binyan Tzion (cited by Chelkat Yakov) and Chazon Ish YD 168:5 agree with Bet Meir.

*Or Letzion YD 1:14 write that the opinion of the Maharil depends on the dispute between the Rambam and Rosh. According to the Rambam that a bet shaar is obligated because of the house that it is attached to the mezuzah should be on the left side and according to the Rosh the rabbinic obligation is for the bet shaar itself and accordingly the mezuzah should be on the right. Or Letzion concludes to place the mezuzah on the right because either we follow the Rosh or the Chikrei Lev. Yeshuot Malko (Mezuzah 6:1) advances the same argument. However, both Or Letzion and Yeshuot Malko conclude that we accept the Maharil. Igrot Moshe YD 1:181 rejects the entire question and explains that the Rambam would hold that the bet shaar is obligated in it of itself once it is attached to a place that is used for living. He accepts the Maharil. Our summary is that most accept the Maharil in this case and would hold to put up the mezuzah on the right side. Rav Heinemann in Guide to Halachos p. 105 writes that a walk-in closet that has 50ft sq area should have a mezuzah on the right post going in.</ref>

##Most poskim hold that an area that has 16 square amot, even if it doesn't have 4x4 amot in any one place, is obligated in a mezuzah<ref>The Rambam (Mezuzah 6:2) holds that an area that is 2x8 amot is obligated in a mezuzah as would any area that is larger than 16 square amot. The Rosh (Mezuzah no. 16) disagrees and holds that unless it is 4x4 amot square it isn’t obligated. Rashba (responsa 5:110) agrees. Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 286:13 holds like the Rambam. Levush 286:13 agrees. The Shach 286:23 holds that it is obligated but the mezuzah should be put up without a bracha. Chayei Adam 15:6, Aruch Hashulchan YD 286:21, Halichot Olam v. 8. p. 282, and Yalkut Yosef 285:24 agree. Rav Wosner (Kovetz Mbet Levi p. 129) agrees. Eliya Rabba 366:5 also seems to agree with the Shach.  

##A walk-in closet that is not 4x4 amot and doesn't even have the area of 4x4 amot, according to most poskim it is completely exempt from a mezuzah, though some say it is obligated since it is useful the way it is.<ref>Chamudei Doniel (Pitchei Teshuva 286:11) writes that an area that is meant to be used the way it is even if it is less than 4x4 amot is obligated in a mezuzah. Rashash Sukkah 3b s.v. may agrees. Maharam Shik 287 accepts the Chamudei Doniel. Agur Bohalecha quotes Minchat Yitzchak 1:8, 3:103, Even Yisrael 7:34, and Chovat Hadar 8:6 as being concerned for the opinion of the Chamudei Doniel. Or Letzion 1:14 only accepts the Chamudei Doniel regarding a small room open to a house.

===Straight or Diagonal===

#The mezuzah should be placed at the beginning of the upper third of the height of the doorway<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:5, Rashi Menachot 33a s.v. “bitechila,” Rambam Hilchot Mezuzah 6:12, Tur 289, Prisha 289:6, Shulchan Aruch 289:2, Levush 289:2, Chayei Adam 15:17, Pitchei Mezuzahs 289:24, Chovat Hadar 8:2:4, Teshuvot Vihanhagot 2:539. See Yabia Omer YD 2:21 where Chacham Ovadia Yosef quotes poskim who say that if it was placed higher than the beginning of the top third it should be moved without a beracha to there, but himself disagrees. </ref> but it should be placed at least a [[Tefach]] from the top of the doorway. <ref>Tur 289, Shulchan Aruch 289:2, Levush 289:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:5 </ref> If it is not in the top third it isn't kosher. <ref>Beit Yosef 289, Shach 289:4, Taz 289:3. </ref> If it isn't a tefach from the top of the door it should be fixed.<ref>Mezuzah Vehilchoteha 11:8 quotes Halichot Olam v. 8 p. 251 who writes that according to Shulchan Aruch if the mezuzah is within a tefach of the ceiling it needs to be fixed. He says that it is in disagreement with the Ben Ish Chai Ki Tavo n. 7 who writes that after the fact it is kosher.</ref>

#If a doorway is very tall, according to Ashkenazim, one should put up the mezuzah at shoulder height.<ref>Yerushalmi Megillah 4:12, Tosfot Yoma 11b s.v. shein, Shach 289:4</ref> However, according to Sephardim, one should place it in the upper third in all circumstances.<ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 285:77</ref>

===In the Doorframe===

<center><gallery>

Inner post.png|Picture #3: Blue mezuzah on thicker post and gold on thinner post

</gallery></center>

#If there is no place to put the mezuzah within the doorframe (picture #1), according to Ashkenazim the mezuzah can be placed on the area in front of the doorframe within a tefach of the doorframe.<ref>According to the Shach's understanding the Rama 289:1 rules like the Tur that after the fact a mezuzah is kosher if it is behind the door outside of the doorframe. Agur Bohalecha siman 44-46 discusses at length whether having the mezuzah in front of the doorframe is the equivalent of behind the doorframe or better. Either way, in a case where it is impossible to put it in the doorframe it is best to put it in front of the doorframe.</ref> According to Sephardim it must be placed within the doorframe in front of the door or behind the door (picture #2).<ref>Shulchan Aruch, Yalkut Yosef (Sova Semachot v. 1 "Makom Hamezuza" n. 70). Yalkut Yosef clarifies that having the mezuzah within the doorframe behind the door is also called in the doorway and kosher for Shulchan Aruch. Agur Bohalecha siman 43 agrees.</ref>

#If a doorpost has a thicker post and a thinner post which is further towards the outside (picture #3), the mezuzah can be placed on the thinner part (gold mezuzah in picture).<ref>Agur Bohalecha 13:6</ref> Some hold it should be placed specifically on the thicker part (blue mezuzah in picture).<ref>Chovat Hadar 8:3:1 fnt. 3 explaining the position of Rav Dovid Yungreis</ref>

===Fixed to the Doorpost===

===Arched Doorway===

#If the doorway is arched there is a dispute whether the height of the doorposts includes the arched section where the doorway has a width of 4 tefachim. Therefore, if there is a small area which is arched and the doorway has a width of greater than 4 tefachim, it is possible to satisfy both opinions by placing it on the vertical section of the door but still within the top third of the doorway.<ref>Chovat Hadar (p. 59, n. 35)</ref> (For example, if a doorway is 90 inches and the top 12 inches are arched and still has a width of tefachim, one should place the mezuzah in the vertical section above 60 inches.<ref>According to the opinion that the arched section is included the mezuzah should be placed at 60 inches (2/3 of 90) and above and according to the opinion that the arched section isn't included the mezuzah should be placed at 52 inches (2/3 of 78) and above. To satisfy both opinions one can place it at 60 inches where the doorpost is still vertical. </ref>)

#If the height of the arch is more than one third of the height of the entire doorway so that it isn't possible to satisfy both opinions the primary opinion is to place the mezuzah two thirds up the vertical part of the doorway excluding the arch.<ref>Chovat Hadar p. 60 n. 35 writes that the Taz 287:2 in such a case says to place the mezuzah in the arched part like Rashi. He explains that even Rambam could agree since anyway there is a vertical doorway that is 10 tefachim. Chovat Hadar quotes achronim who disagree and side with Rambam. Shulchan Aruch YD 287:2 holds like the Rambam. More details about [https://www.vaadmhk.org/mezuzah-archway/ how to affix a mezuzah on an archway].</ref>

#The mezuzah's of a publically owned building only need to be checked twice in fifty years.<ref>Yoma 11a, Shulchan Aruch YD 291:1</ref>

#Ideally Ashkenazim should get mezuzot with a ketav (handwriting) that is Ashkenazic and Sephardim the Sephardic ketav. If one uses the other one it is still valid.<ref>Mezuzah Vhilchoteha 13:24 p. 123 citing Halichot Olam v. 8 p. 202-5. See Shulchan Aruch 288:13 and Yachava Daat 4:3 regarding the break between the paragraphs which for mezuzot doesn't invalidate.</ref>

#It is permitted to check all of one's mezuzot at once and it isn't necessary to take them down and check them one at a time.<ref>[https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1086&pgnum=426 Rivevot Efraim 5:548] quoting Rav Dovid Feinstein about the practice of his father, Rav Moshe Feinstein. Agur Bohalecha is strict.</ref>

#A Jew who owns a building in partnership with a non-Jew according to Ashkenazim is exempt from mezuzah<ref>Rama YD 286:1</ref>, but according to Sephardim is obligated to put up a mezuzah.<ref>Birkei Yosef 286:1, Otzrot Hahalacha Mezuzah 8:6</ref>

==Women==

#There is an opinion that you may take down the mezuzot in you're going to put them up in another house, however, that opinion isn't accepted as the halacha.<ref>Chida in Birkei Yosef YD 291:2 writes that according to one answer of Tosfot one can take the mezuzot with you if you'll put it up right away, but according to the Ritva you can't. He says that we hold that one shouldn't take them down even if you'll put them up in another house right away, yet in an extenuating circumstance where you can't find mezuzot to buy for the new house you can take down the mezuzot. Aruch Hashulchan 291:3 cites this but is hesitant about it.</ref>

#There is what to rely upon to take down the mezuzah if it is going to be painted before the next tenant moves in so that they don’t get ruined.<ref>Igrot Moshe YD 4:44 quoting Rav Henkin. See Agur Bohalecha 40:12 who seems to disagree and establishes says that after painting one has to put up the mezuzot again/</ref>

==Links==