Halachah 1 — Ten Conditions Required for Mezuzah Obligation
A dwelling obligates its resident in mezuzah only if all ten conditions are met:
- Minimum size of four by four cubits
- Two doorposts
- A lintel
- A roof
- Doors
- Doorway height of ten handbreadths
- Not consecrated property
- Intended for human habitation
- Used as a dignified dwelling
- A permanent dwelling
If even one condition is lacking, no mezuzah is required.
Halachah 2 — Minimum Size of a Dwelling
A structure smaller than four by four cubits is exempt.
A dwelling of sixteen square cubits requires a mezuzah even if circular, pentagonal, or non‑rectangular.
Halachah 3 — Structures Without Doorposts
An exedra (three walls and a roof) does not require a mezuzah, even if pillars stand on the fourth side, since they support the roof and are not doorposts.
A roof standing on pillars without walls is also exempt.
Halachah 4 — Arched Entrances
Where doorposts exist with an arch instead of a lintel:
- If doorposts reach ten handbreadths, a mezuzah is required.
- If not, the entrance is exempt due to the lack of a lintel.
Halachah 5 — Roof Coverage and Doors
A house without a roof does not require a mezuzah.
If part of a building is roofed and part is not, and the covered section is near the entrance, a mezuzah is required.
Doors must be installed before affixing the mezuzah.
Halachah 6 — Consecrated Structures
Entrances to:
- the Temple Mount,
- courtyards,
- chambers,
- synagogues,
- and study halls
do not require mezuzot, since they are consecrated.
Exceptions:
- a village synagogue with guest residence,
- a city synagogue containing a dwelling.
In the Temple, only gates serving residential use required mezuzot.
Halachah 7 — Non‑Residential Structures
Structures exempt from mezuzah include:
- barns,
- storage houses,
- woodsheds,
- guardhouses,
- porches,
- gardens,
- corrals.
If part of the structure serves as a human dwelling, it becomes obligated.
If dwellings open into these structures, the passages require mezuzot.
Halachah 8 — Gates and Adjacent Areas
Gates leading to:
- courtyards,
- alleys,
- cities,
- towns
require mezuzot, since dwellings open into them.
Even a sequence of multiple gates leading to a dwelling all become obligated.
Halachah 9 — Undignified and Temporary Structures
The following do not require mezuzot:
- toilets,
- bathhouses,
- mikvaot,
- tanneries,
due to lack of dignity.
Also exempt:
- sukkot,
- ship dwellings,
- outer potter booths,
- market stores.
Halachah 10 — Multiple Entrances
A dwelling with multiple doorways requires a mezuzah on each doorway.
Even small openings to lofts require mezuzot.
Rooms within rooms all require their own mezuzot if permanent dwellings.
Halachah 11 — Between Structures
Entrances connecting:
- a synagogue,
- a study hall,
- and a residence
require mezuzot if commonly used.
For doorways between two houses, placement depends on the hinge side.
Halachah 12 — Location on the Doorpost
The mezuzah is affixed:
- on the inside of the entrance,
- within a handbreadth of the outer edge,
- at the beginning of the upper third of the doorway,
- on the right side as one enters.
Placement on the left invalidates it.
A jointly owned home requires mezuzot.
Halachah 13 — Spiritual Importance of Mezuzah
The mitzvah of mezuzah is constant and profound.
Through it, one is reminded of God’s unity, awakens from material distraction, and is guided toward righteousness.
One surrounded by tefillin, tzitzit, and mezuzah is strongly protected from sin.
The chapter concludes with assurance of divine protection and blessing.
Blessed be the Merciful One Who offers assistance.
