Doorway Decoration With a Hebrew Letter

[Scuba_Ben]

@zev_steinhardt

I’m not certain if the mezuzzah is required to be 2/3 of the way up. It could just be that it’s put there because that’s a convenient place. If so, placing it down lower for someone who is short or wheelchair bound should not be a problem. However, I’d have to do more research to be sure.

I seem to recall that R. Hillel ruled that the mezuzzah has to be 2/3 of the way up. I know it’s in the rules somewhere; I can check Code of Jewish Law tonight. Also, I have see shuls with two mezuzzot on the doors – one 2/3 of the way up, and another 1/3 of the way up at wheelchair height.

@elmwood

When they moved from their old house, they left a mezuzah behind. Is that a bad idea, considering that it might be removed and disposed of improperly?

There is a custom to leave the mezuzzot in place, if you know that the purchaser is also Jewish. Otherwise, the mezuzzot should be removed for the reason you noted.

[zev_steinhardt]

@zev_steinhardt

I’m not certain if the mezuzzah is required to be 2/3 of the way up. It could just be that it’s put there because that’s a convenient place. If so, placing it down lower for someone who is short or wheelchair bound should not be a problem. However, I’d have to do more research to be sure.

Actually, having done some research over Shabbos, I have found that the mezuzzah must be placed on the upper third of the doorway (although it must be at least one handbreadth from the top). As such, placing it lower for a disabled person is not allowed. OTOH, there is no requirement to touch the mezuzzah when entering a room.

Zev Steinhardt