- Family and Society
- Mezuza
Mezuza Placement
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

removing mezuzot
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 20, 5776

mezuza placement
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 29, 5773

Mezuzah on balconies with sliding doors
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 16, 5781

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky teaches a shiur in gemarah at the Beit Midrash program of the Machon Hagavoah l'Torah at Bar Ilan University. He is also a certified examiner of STa"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot) and a narrative therapist.

Wedding During Sfirat Haomer
29 Iyyar 5764

Bowing in the First Bracha Shmone-Esre
12 Sivan 5764

Dates,Years,Centuries
20 Iyyar 5764

Can One Say Torah is Boring?
19 Sivan 5764

Parsha readings on weekdays
Various Rabbis | Kislev 25, 5775

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Kashrut of a corelle plate
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 6 Tevet 5766
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770
halachas
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 21, 5782
priestly blessing
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 16, 5782

a mishna
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782
