Tallitot

The mitzvah of the mezuzah is one of the most central and ancient mitzvot of the Jewish people, and many secrets and virtues have been attached to it throughout the generations. Here are the main points from the sources:

The Guarding of the Creator: Unlike a king of flesh and blood who sits inside while his servants guard him from outside, with the mezuzah it is the Holy One, Blessed be He, who guards the person. As it is said: “The LORD shall guard your going out and your coming in, from now and forever” (Tractate Avodah Zarah 11).

The Gift That Protects Its Owner: The midrash tells of King Artaban, who sent Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi a precious pearl and asked for a gift of equal value in return. Rabbi Yehuda sent him a mezuzah and explained: “You sent me a gift that I must guard, and I sent you a gift that will guard you while you sleep” (Bereishit Rabbah 35). The book “She’iltot” adds that the mezuzah even saved the king’s daughter from a severe spiritual illness.

The Virtue of “Zaz-Mavet” (Death Departs) and Long Life: The Tikkunei Zohar states that the word “mezuzah” hints at the words “zaz-mavet” (death departs), since this mitzvah has the power to distance dangers and harsh judgments. The Torah promises that by carefully observing this mitzvah, one merits long life: “That your days and the days of your children may be multiplied” (Deuteronomy 11).

Protection from Harmful Forces: The Mordechai wrote in the name of the Maharam: “I am confident that any home properly fitted with a kosher mezuzah — no harmful force can have power over it.” The Kesef Mishneh adds that when the mezuzah is written according to halacha, God’s protection envelops the home.

The Condition for Protection — Mehudar Kashrut: It’s important to remember that all these virtues exist only when the mezuzah is kosher. A mezuzah contains 713 letters, and if, heaven forbid, even one is missing or flawed, the mezuzah is invalid by law and does not protect. Therefore, be careful to purchase from a God-fearing scribe and a reliable source that performs double proofreading (manual and computerized).

The True Intention: Despite these tremendous virtues, the primary purpose of affixing the mezuzah is to fulfill the Creator’s will out of love (Yalkut Yosef). The protection is the wondrous reward that accompanies the fulfillment of the mitzvah.

In the world of mezuzot, the term “kosher” is very broad. It is important to understand the differences to choose the mezuzah that will give you peace of mind and security:

Basic kosher mezuzah: A mezuzah that meets the required kosher standard but sometimes relies on lenient opinions (“bediavad”) and is not considered the “lechatchila” level. The script is usually simpler and the scribes do not work with us regularly, so we apply a particularly strict control system including human and computerized proofreading. We offer this level atan accessible price starting at 125₪, with the mission to enable every Jew to protect their home’s entrance.

Premium kosher mezuzah (recommended): A mezuzah written “lechatchila” – meaning it complies fully with halachic minutiae and enhancements. It is written by a team of expert scribes who are God-fearing and personally known to us, in clear, beautiful, and meticulous script.

Premium deluxe mezuzah: Intended for those looking for a true work of art. Impressive script of the highest level, exemplary precision in every tag, and especially high-quality parchment.

When you approach buying a mezuzah for your home, you’ll discover a wide price range. It’s important to understand that the price of a mezuzah is not “just” a number — it reflects the level of hiddur (enhancement), the scribe’s working hours, and the quality of proofreading. With us, every mezuzah undergoes double proofreading: manual by a certified magiah (proofreader) and computerized, to rule out any risk of error.

What affects the price of a mezuzah?

The scribe’s expertise: Writing STa”M is an art. The price is affected by the scribe’s experience, the beauty of the script, and his fear of Heaven. A certified scribe guarantees you kosher writing with no compromises.

Type of script: There are three main nusachim (traditions): Sephardic (Eastern communities), Ashkenazi – Beit Yosef, and Ashkenazi – the Ari (according to Kabbalah). Due to the shape of the letters, the Sephardic script is generally more accessible in price, while the Ashkenazi and Ari nusachim require longer working time and greater concentration.

Parchment size: As a rule, a larger parchment requires more writing time and higher raw material cost. Very small mezuzahs (5–7 cm) are usually only at a basic kashrut level due to the difficulty of achieving maximum precision in a small area.

Breakdown of hiddur levels and prices (parchment only):

Caution: A “too cheap” price is a warning sign.

Writing a mezuzah takes hours of concentration. If you’re offered a parchment at a price significantly lower than market rates, there is serious concern about the kashrut of the writing or the quality of the proofreading. Remember: a single letter’s mistake completely invalidates the mezuzah!

And what about the mezuzah case?

The price varies depending on the material and design:

• Simple plastic cases: 10 – 25 NIS.

• Designed aluminum, glass, or wood cases: 50 – 150 NIS.

• Luxury cases (pure silver or artistic work): Hundreds or even thousands of shekels.

Need help choosing the right mezuzah for your home? Our professional team is here to match you with the exact hiddur level and budget for you.

The basic rule is that every room intended for living or regular human use must have a mezuzah. Here is the breakdown according to the types of rooms:

Main rooms of the house: Every room suitable for living (living room, bedrooms, kitchen, study, and storage) requires a mezuzah, even if it is not currently in daily use.

Roofs and balconies: Any exit door to a roof or balcony used for eating, hanging laundry, or leisure – requires a mezuzah. If the roof is used only for technical purposes (such as repairing a solar water heater) – it is exempt.

Bathroom and toilet: Exempt from mezuzah.

Laundry room: Nowadays it is customary to affix a mezuzah (without a blessing) there because the room is clean and used for storage and other purposes.

Garbage room or diaper-changing room: Exempt from mezuzah because they are not considered ‘dignified apartments’.

Mobile structures: Residential caravans, boats, living trucks, or sleeper trains – are generally exempt from mezuzah.

Room size: A room obligates a mezuzah only if its area is at least 4 cubits by 4 cubits (~192 cm by 192 cm).

A small tip: In any case of doubt, it is recommended to consult with us or with a qualified rabbi, to ensure all your home’s entrances are properly protected and honored.

Installing a mezuzah is an exciting moment of dedicating your home or room. To make sure the mitzvah is fulfilled according to halacha and that your home’s protection will be complete, we’ve prepared the installation steps for you:

1. The Exact Position

• Side of the doorway: The mezuzah is always affixed on the right side of the person entering the room.

• Please note: Installing it on the left side invalidates the mitzvah! If the mezuzah was mistakenly placed on the left side, it must be removed and re-affixed on the right side with a blessing.

• Height: The mezuzah should be installed at the beginning of the upper third of the doorway’s height (from eye level and above).

2. Manner of Placement (According to Custom)

• Sephardic custom: The mezuzah is affixed completely upright (straight).

• Ashkenazi and Moroccan custom: The mezuzah is affixed tilted slightly diagonally, with its top leaning toward the inside of the room.

3. The Blessing Stage

Before securing the mezuzah in its final place, recite the blessing:

“Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha’olam, Asher Kideshanu B’mitzvotav V’tzivanu Likboa Mezuzah.”

If you are affixing several mezuzahs at once in the home, recite the blessing only once, on the first mezuzah, and have the rest in mind.

4. Securing It in Place

It’s important to attach the mezuzah case firmly and securely to the doorpost so that it doesn’t fall, heaven forbid. You can use nails, screws, or strong, high-quality double-sided adhesive.

Bottom line: The mezuzah is the “guardian” of your home. A correct and mehudar installation is the best way to begin a life of holiness and protection in every room.

Still unsure about a specific location in your home? We’re here for any question or consultation.

The mezuzah is made of natural materials (parchment and ink) that are affected by weather conditions, humidity, and heat, and therefore it may wear out over the years.

As a general rule: the mezuzahs should be given for checking by a certified scribe twice every seven years (on average every 3.5 years).

Hasidic custom: Many have the custom to check the mezuzahs every year during the month of Elul, to enter the new year with renewed protection.

In special cases: It is customary to check the mezuzahs when moving house, and also during distress or, Heaven forbid, illness in the family, as a segula for protection and healing.

Important maintenance tip: When painting the house or thoroughly cleaning the doorframes, the mezuzah must be removed. The penetration of a drop of paint or wet cleaning solution into the mezuzah case can immediately invalidate the parchment.