- Family and Society
- Mezuza
694
Question
I learned recently that the Mezuzot should be within the first Tefach of the thickness of the doorpost. The Mezuzot that are on both entrances of our building are not within the first Tefach. (This is a jointly owned building.)
Do we have to move them to within the first Tefach? They are built into the wall, which makes it a bit more difficult to move, but we could do it if we have to.
Does the fist Tefach include the stone of the outside of the building (which is part of the doorpost)? The stone is about 5 centimeters thick.
Does the entire Mezuza have to be within the Tefach?
How many centimeters is a Tefach?
Answer
Though the Mezuzah should be placed in the outer Tefach of the doorway (8-10 cm) the Rama says it does not have to be moved if it was already placed. Rav Ovadia Yosef agrees, but suggests moving it if no hardship will be incurred.

Replacing Mezuzot
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 14 Cheshvan 5763

Mezuzah on an office door after 30 days
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Elul 2, 5781

Non jew touch a mezuzah entering jewish home?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 13, 5781

Non Jew--can I hang a mezuza in the doorway tomy home?
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 3, 5785

No-wedding days
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 20, 5772
Wasting seed for Noahides
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Adar II 16, 5784

Bicycles on shabbat
Rabbi David Sperling | Elul 28, 5773
Meaning of the name "Yaakov"
Rabbi Berel Wein | 2 Kislev 5763

Question concerning sitting shiva over a broken heart
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 19, 5785

Convert who later comes to believe in pantheism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 29, 5785

The nations & Sinai
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 20, 5785
