Affixing the Mezuzah

Who should affix the mezuzah?

It is best that the homeowner should affix the mezuzah and make the blessings. If for whatever reason that is not possible, any Jew above the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah may affix a mezuzah on your behalf.

When is it okay to affix a mezuzah?

It is okay to affix a mezuzah anytime of the day or night, however, one should not affix the mezuzah on Shabbat or a major Jewish holiday when work is prohibited (click here for a list).

How do I attach it?

The mezuzah should be permanently affixed to the doorpost. To do this, it is best to use nails or screws to mount the mezuzahs; however, you may also use glue or double-sided mounting tape. Regular scotch tape or masking tape, which only fix the mezuzah temporarily, should not be used.

The Blessing

Prior to affixing a mezuzah upon a doorpost which has a door, the following blessing should be recited:

Baruch Ata A-do-nai Elo-heinu Melech Haolam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu likboa mezuza.

Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

The blessing “Shehecheyanu” is not recited.

Do I make a blessing for each mezuzah?

When affixing mezuzahs for many different doorways in a house, make the blessing only once. Have in mind when reciting the blessing that the blessing should include the other mezuzahs. Refrain from talking or other interruptions until all the mezuzahs are mounted.

Note: No blessing is recited when affixing mezuzahs to the following:

Entrances of garages, storage rooms, doorways or archways that have no actual doors, and a room whose length is less than four cubits, but the total area is at least sixteen cubits square. (i.e. 4 by 9.5 cubits or 3 by 12.5 cubits).

In all the aforementioned, the blessing should be recited whilst affixing a mezuzah to a doorway that does require a blessing. The mezuzahs remaining are afterwards placed on the archways, etc.