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Laws of the Mezuzah: Once Up
1. Checking
Mezuzahs are to be checked twice in seven years. This applies even if the Mezuzahs that
you put up were 100% certified by a reliable source, since over time,
the letters may be eroded, particularly on
Mezuzahs which are attached on outdoor doorways, such as your front door.
There is no need to worry about the fact that your house will be without Mezuzahs
while they are being checked,
since the Halakhah does not require a house to have Mezuzahs up during this time.
Some recommend to leave at least one Mezuzah up while the rest are
being checked.
2. Moving
When moving, if a Jew is moving into the house you are leaving, then you are supposed
to leave your Mezuzahs behind. If a non-Jew is moving in, or if nobody will be moving in,
then you may take your Mezuzahs with you.
3. Keeping in Touch
It is customary to touch the Mezuzah with one’s hand and then to kiss the hand when
one enters or leaves a room or building with a Mezuzah.
The hope is that this simple act of love and reverence will focus one’s attention
upon the Mitzvah of Mezuzah, so that one will reflect upon the reason we
have put the Mezuzah scroll up: to
affirm our belief that God's presence and protection rests upon and within
our dwellings. So let’s take the time and feel the beauty and power of this Mitzvah,
through which we can feel a constant connection to God.
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© Baal Shem Tov Foundation 2003-2005 |
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