Compiled by Dovid Zaklikowski

The mezuzah's outer case can be lightly dusted. Never use liquid cleaners because they may seep within the case and damage the parchment scroll. Every three or four years, the scroll should be removed and inspected by a trained sofer to ensure that it has not become faded or damaged in any way that would diminish its sanctity and cause it to lose its protective power.

Compiled By Dovid Zaklikowski

The parchment scroll, written in the Torah's original Hebrew, contain two parshiot (Torah sections): Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Deuteronomy 11:13-21. The following is an English Translation: Hear, 0 Israel, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One. You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart. You shall teach them thoroughly to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you rise.

Compiled By Dovid Zaklikowski

The mezuzah should be placed in a case for protection. It should be rolled from left to right, so that the Sha-dai written on the outside is visible. It should then be placed right-side-up inside the case, with the Sha-dai in front. If you do not have a mezuzah case, wrap the mezuzah in thick paper or some other material. Mezuzahs are often aquired from the sofer or Judaica store already rolled and encased. It is important that it is obtained from a reliable source, so that you can be sure that it has been placed properly. Sometimes mezuzah cases are sold without anything inside!

Compiled By Dovid Zaklikowski

A common misconception is that only the main entrance to the home requires a mezuzah. Of course, it is better to have one mezuzah on the front door than no mezuzahs, and if you only have one mezuzah, it should be placed on the home's main entrance. However, to properly fulfill the mitzvah, every room in the house or office should have its own mezuzah. All rooms that are more than four cubits long and four cubits wide--approximately 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet (or its equivalent of 37 square feet) are required to have a mezuzah -- as long as they have a full "doorway."

Compiled By Dovid Zaklikowski

When purchasing a home, affix the mezuzahs, with the blessing, immediately upon moving in. If you are renting the home or apartment the obligation to install a Mezuzah applies only after thirty days. However it is obviously preferred not to be without a Mezuzah, therefore many have the custom to affix all of the mezuzahs immediately upon occupancy, without reciting the blessing. Once the 30-day period has elapsed, one of the mezuzahs (from a room that has a door) should be removed, checked and replaced.

Compiled By Dovid Zaklikowski

Who should affix the mezuzah?

It is best that the homeowner should affix the mezuzah and make the blessings. If for whatever reason that is not possible, any Jew above the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah may affix a mezuzah on your behalf.

The mezuzah should be permanently affixed to the doorpost. To do this, it is best to use nails or screws to mount the mezuzahs; however, you may also use glue or double-sided mounting tape.

Compiled By Dovid Zaklikowski

The mezuzah is affixed on the right hand side of the door as you enter. It is affixed on a slight angle with the top of the mezuzah pointed toward the inside of the room and the bottom pointed toward the outside. The doorway should be measured and divided into three. The bottom of the mezuzah should be aligned with the bottom of the top third (see illustration).

Compiled By Tzvi Freeman

As every homeowner knows, it's not those little gadgets with the flashing lights that protect your home. It's the police station. You just need to make sure those gadgets are connected. A mezuzah on your doorpost works the same way -- only that it's connected to a Higher Protection Agency. Much higher. In fact, that's how every mitzvah works -- tefillin, Shabbat candles, Torah study, acts of kindness.