How-to guide
How to Hang a Mezuzah
Updated 24 October 20265 min read
Quick answer
Hang the mezuzah on the right-hand doorpost as you walk into the room, in the upper third of the doorway, with the top tilted toward the inside (the Ashkenazi custom; many Sephardim hang it upright). Say the blessing, then attach it. It must hold a kosher handwritten scroll; the case alone is decoration.
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What a mezuzah is
A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll (klaf) handwritten by a trained scribe with two passages from Deuteronomy, beginning with the Shema. It's placed in a protective case on the doorposts of a Jewish home. The scroll is the mitzvah; the case protects and decorates it.
Which side and how high
Stand outside the room facing in: the mezuzah goes on the right-hand doorpost. Place it at the start of the upper third of the doorway's height, roughly shoulder height on a standard door, and at least a few inches below the top. On the outside of the door frame is customary, within the doorway's thickness if possible.
- Right-hand side as you enter
- Upper third of the doorpost
- Ashkenazi custom: top slanted toward the room; Sephardi: upright
Preparing the scroll
Roll the scroll from its end toward its beginning, so the opening word (Shema) is on the outside. Many wrap it in a small piece of plastic to protect it from moisture, especially on outdoor doors. Place it in the case with the top of the text toward the top of the case.
The blessing
Hold the mezuzah in place and say: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu likbo'a mezuzah. (Blessed are You… who commanded us to affix a mezuzah.) Then attach it right away. One blessing covers several mezuzahs hung at the same time, starting with the front door.
Attaching it and which doors need one
Screws or small nails hold best; strong double-sided mounting tape works for rentals and metal frames. Traditionally every doorway of a room used for living gets a mezuzah: the front door, bedrooms, kitchen, and living spaces. Bathrooms and very small closets are excluded. Scrolls should be checked by a scribe periodically, traditionally twice every seven years.
Where to buy a mezuzah online
Our top three storefronts, in ranking order. Visit store links may earn us a commission; your checkout total stays the same.
Judaica Web Store
One cart for every holiday
Menorahs, mezuzah cases, jewelry, and host gifts share one checkout when you do not want five tabs open.
Judaica.city
Free US shipping over $30
Custom kippahs and simcha sets are the headline, not an afterthought category.
Ahuva
Shul supplies committees actually reorder
Torah mantles, readers, and candles sit beside holiday essentials many gift shops skip.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the door does a mezuzah go on?
On the right-hand doorpost as you enter the room or home, in the upper third of the doorway.
Why is a mezuzah hung at a slant?
It's an Ashkenazi compromise between medieval opinions that it should be vertical or horizontal; the top tilts toward the room. Many Sephardi families hang it upright.
What blessing do you say when hanging a mezuzah?
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu likbo'a mezuzah. One blessing covers several hung together.
Does a mezuzah need a scroll?
Yes. The handwritten parchment scroll (klaf) is what makes it a mezuzah. A case without a kosher scroll is decorative only.
When should renters put up a mezuzah?
A common practice outside Israel is that renters affix mezuzahs within 30 days of moving in, while owners hang them right away. Ask your rabbi about your situation.
Where can I buy a mezuzah online?
Judaica Web Store and Ahuva have large mezuzah sections, and Judaica.city carries mezuzah cases. Check whether a kosher scroll is included before you buy.