Q: Does an elevator require a Mezuzah? How about on each floor at the entrance to the elevator?
A: There are a number of opinions. The Minchat Yitzhak rules that the elevator itself needs a Mezuzah yet there is no need to place one at the entrance of every floor. The Chovat Hadar holds that there should be a Mezuzah on the right side of those entering the elevator, barring the main entrance of the building where a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side of those leaving the elevator. According to the Be'er Moshe, there is no need whatsoever for a Mezuzah in the case of an elevator. Pitchei Shearim writes that all floors should have a Mezuzah on one's right side when coming out of the elevator. What is best do is place the Mezuzah and not recite a Bracha.
Q: Is there a "proper" way to kiss the Mezuzah? I see that some people kiss their fingers first and then touch the Mezuzah, whereas others touch it and then kiss their fingers?
A: The Rema speaks of the custom to touch the Mezuzah and say a verse when passing through the entrance. The custom of kissing one's hand actually appears in later Halachic works, such as the Birkei Yosef. There is even a custom, as recorded in Pichei Shearim to stare at the Mezuzah.
Q: Is there a specific size that a Mezuzah must be?
A: No, it can be whatever size you want. However, keep in mind that the smaller the Mezuzah the harder it is to write the lettering on the parchment inside because the smaller the lettering is the more Halakhic problems one is likely to run in to.
Q: We're redecorating our house. What should we do regarding Mezuzot?
A: You should take them down to prevent the chance of them getting damaged. It is also a good opportunity to get them checked if they are due for a check-up anyway (twice every seven years). You should also make a Bracha when re-affixing it the first Mezuzah and have in mind all the others too.
Q: In my house, the doorframes are metal. How should I apply Mezuzot in a Kosher manner?
A: According to Chovat Hadar, Mezuzot should be attached to doorposts in a way that makes them difficult to remove by hand. Therefore, one can use a drill and screws, cement or even very strong double-sided tape, providing it is strong enough to make removal difficult.
A: There are a number of opinions. The Minchat Yitzhak rules that the elevator itself needs a Mezuzah yet there is no need to place one at the entrance of every floor. The Chovat Hadar holds that there should be a Mezuzah on the right side of those entering the elevator, barring the main entrance of the building where a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side of those leaving the elevator. According to the Be'er Moshe, there is no need whatsoever for a Mezuzah in the case of an elevator. Pitchei Shearim writes that all floors should have a Mezuzah on one's right side when coming out of the elevator. What is best do is place the Mezuzah and not recite a Bracha.
Q: Is there a "proper" way to kiss the Mezuzah? I see that some people kiss their fingers first and then touch the Mezuzah, whereas others touch it and then kiss their fingers?
A: The Rema speaks of the custom to touch the Mezuzah and say a verse when passing through the entrance. The custom of kissing one's hand actually appears in later Halachic works, such as the Birkei Yosef. There is even a custom, as recorded in Pichei Shearim to stare at the Mezuzah.
Q: Is there a specific size that a Mezuzah must be?
A: No, it can be whatever size you want. However, keep in mind that the smaller the Mezuzah the harder it is to write the lettering on the parchment inside because the smaller the lettering is the more Halakhic problems one is likely to run in to.
Q: We're redecorating our house. What should we do regarding Mezuzot?
A: You should take them down to prevent the chance of them getting damaged. It is also a good opportunity to get them checked if they are due for a check-up anyway (twice every seven years). You should also make a Bracha when re-affixing it the first Mezuzah and have in mind all the others too.
Q: In my house, the doorframes are metal. How should I apply Mezuzot in a Kosher manner?
A: According to Chovat Hadar, Mezuzot should be attached to doorposts in a way that makes them difficult to remove by hand. Therefore, one can use a drill and screws, cement or even very strong double-sided tape, providing it is strong enough to make removal difficult.
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