The mezuzah stands as a beautiful, visible sign in the Jewish home. It serves as a constant reminder of Hashem’s presence and our commitment to His commandments. While the general practice is well-known, Sephardic halakha dictates specific nuances. These details ensure you perform the mitzvah with the highest level of intention.
In this guide, we walk you through the proper way to affix a mezuzah according to Sephardic tradition.
Which Rooms Require a Mezuzah?
Sephardic halakha requires a mezuzah on almost every permanent doorway in your home. This includes:
- Living Areas: Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
- Kitchens: Most kitchens require one if they have a formal entrance.
- Utility Rooms: Laundry rooms and walk-in closets (if they measure at least 6.5 x 6.5 feet).
- Arches: Even doorways without physical doors require a mezuzah if they have a frame with two posts and a lintel.
Note: Never affix a mezuzah to bathrooms, washrooms, or very small closets.
Which Side of the Doorway?
Always place the mezuzah on the right side of the doorpost as you enter the room. This perspective depends entirely on the direction of entry. The law remains the same for everyone; right-handed and left-handed individuals both use the right side.
Determining the Correct Height
You must mount the mezuzah within the upper third of the doorpost’s total height.
To find this spot, measure the height of your doorframe and divide that number by three. Mount the mezuzah just above that line. For most adults, this falls around shoulder height. Do not place it too low (at the midpoint) or too high against the top lintel.
Exact Placement on the Doorframe
Attach the mezuzah toward the outer part of the doorframe. It should sit within the outer handbreadth (tefach) of the doorway. Positioning it closer to the outside edge remains the ideal practice rather than placing it deep inside the room.
The Sephardic Position: Perfectly Vertical
Sephardic ritual differs significantly from other customs regarding the angle of the case.
- The Sephardic Custom: We follow the opinion of the Rambam (Maimonides). Sephardic Jews affix the mezuzah perfectly straight and vertical. This upright position symbolizes that we stand yashar (upright) and direct in our relationship with Hashem.
- The Ashkenazi Custom: Conversely, Ashkenazi Jews follow Rabbeinu Tam. They place the mezuzah at a slight inward slant toward the room.
The Blessing for Affixing a Mezuzah
Recite this blessing before you secure the mezuzah to the wall. If you plan to hang multiple mezuzot, recite the blessing only once. Keep the other rooms in mind as you speak.
The Hebrew Blessing
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לִקְבּוֹעַ מְזוּזָה.
Transliteration Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu likboa mezuzah.
English 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.”
Watch the Step-by-Step Lesson
Visualize these laws in action within our Moroccan-inspired instructional video. We demonstrate the proper hand placement and the final kiss of the fingers.
The Passover Haggadah