Rabbi David Sperling
Question
I have moved into a house previously owned by a Jewish family. There is a Mesuzah on the entrance to the dining room. We are renovating and the Mezuzah will need to be removed. Can I remove it myself and if so do I need to say or do something for it to be removed . I realise it has special significance and don’t want to be disrespectful. I do not have the details of the previous owners. I apologise if this is a silly question. Thanking you in advance for your answer.
Answer
Shalom, Thank you for your question. It is a great question! And it shows a wonderful sense of respect on your part, for which I truly feel grateful. You may take the mezuzah down yourself – but be careful especially with the rolled up scroll inside it. There are no special words to say as you do so. You should be extra careful to put the mezuzah case and the scroll in a plastic bag (or any type of protective covering). Then you should try and find an Orthodox Rabbi – or any Orthodox Jew – who can take it from you and treat it with the correct respect it need. It may be that it will be used again in another Jewish house – or if it’s too old it will be buried with respect. In any event, according to the Jewish beliefs, the mezuzah leaves an imprint of its holiness on the doorpost it graced. This means that your new house is blessed with the blessings of the mezuzah (and all the commands that were preformed in it). May these be a blessing for you and your family. And may the merit of your respect of the Jewish people and our commandments be upon you. Blessings.
Read more
