Category: Mezuzah - The Sofer Center

CASE STUDIES

There are Many things that can render Tefillin or Mezuzah not Kosher or at best minimally Kosher.

Some of which happen over time with aging and some unfortunately are Posul from the get go.

Such as,

Letters, words and or Tagim that are missing, extra substituted, touching, Broken, Improperly Spaced, misshapen faded, cracked and weather damaged.

We document the problems we find and periodically upload them to the website.

We hope that this will educate and encourage the public to purchase only Tefillin and Mezuzas that are high quality from a reputable source, to take care of them properly and have them checked regularly.

Affixing Mezuzahs

6/12/2019

I was in a home this morning taking down Mezuzahs for checking and shockingly discovered 9 out of 12 Mezuzahs put up incorrectly. As you can see in the photo attached they were hanging only from the screw on the top. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch calls such a Mezuzah "a hanging Mezuzah" and rules that it is not Kosher. I.e it can be the most Mehudar Mezuzah but if not hung properly it is not Kosher. If you need screws or tape to affix the Mezuzahs properly, I will supply free of charge. just reach out to me

Does this door way need a Mezuzah? Yes it does.

5/15/2019

Yes this doorway does require a Mezuzah the railing doesn't exempt it.

Missing tagim

1/3/2019

Mezuzahs like this are only Kosher Beideved. and they can and should be fixed.

Mezuzah Fire Damage

1/28/2018

These Mezuzahs were in a house that had a fire, as you can see these Mezuzahs were all damaged. Unfortunately the Mezuzahs on the doors closest to the area where the fire broke out were consumed in the flames. The one on the right was the first Mezuzah I found within close proximity to the area where the fire broke out, As you can see it has begun to melt and had extensive damage and had to be put in Sheimos, The one in the middle which was a bit further away the case has begun to warp slightly and the Mezuzah only had minor damage. The one on the left was even further and was only covered in soot. and aside from smelling like smoke there was little to no damage discovered due to the smoke. Unfortunately fire proof Mezuzah cases don't exist yet, who knows maybe one day in our future...

Mezuzah that was recovered with the most extensive damage

Damaged Mezuzah -Faded and Cracked lettering

11/7/2017

Weather Damaged Mezuzah

12/13/2016

Mezuzah Placement

9/20/2016

What should I do if my Mezuzah falls down?

8/9/2016

Q What should I do if my Mezuzah falls down?

A. If a Mezuzah has fallen down on to the ground and it is still in its case one should give charity. If it is not in its case (if the case breaks from the fall or it falls while it is being inserted into its case) it is questionable whether one is required to fast as in the case of Tefillin. In this case, one should as least give charity.
It is written in Seforim that if a Mezuzah falls down it is customary to have it checked before it is reaffixed.

If one does not have plans to get the Mezuzah checked, it must be reaffixed immediately (even before putting on Tefillin or davening) with a Brachah if its a location that requires a Brachah.

If however, it cannot be reaffixed immediately, for example if it falls off on Shabbos/Shabbat, you may continue to use the room. The Mezuzah should be picked up in an irregular manner, i.e. with a spoon and put aside in order to be put up right after Shabbos.
Practically speaking, before you put it back up you should check that it was attached properly, such as with screws, nails or double-sided mounting tape. If it wasn’t make sure it is re-affixed properly.

Why does a Sofer need to be G-D fearing?

7/14/2016

I found this today while checking a Mezuzah.
On the second line it is supposed to say Elokim Acherim. However the Sofer forgot to make the left leg of the Hei it now reads as a Daled and is not Kosher.
Seems like an easy fix right? Just add in the leg, a bit of ink and it will be a good Hei, it will look like nothing was ever wrong.
WRONG! One of the basic laws in writing Mezuzahs are that the letters need to be written in order, if we were to add the left leg now we would be creating the letter Hei out of order.
Why does a Sofer need to be G-d fearing? I will let you answer that question yourself, imagine you just spent nearly 4 hours writing a Mezuzah and you find this exact scenario it seems like an easy fix. Only you and G-d will ever Know if you do the right thing ( i.e dispose of it in Genizah and not make the illegal correction) as it is not discernable to the eye after the fact.
The Sofer needs to make the right decision. This is why it is important to buy only from a certified and G-d fearing Sofer / Scribe.

Mezuzah with bugs?

5/10/2016

So at first I thought it was dirt. But with a closer look I realized it was light and hollow. I turned one over and found a little hole on one side.

Apparently an insect has made this Mezuzah his home. I understand some insects grow in a sort of cocoon and when fully grown make their way out... unfortunately the Mezuzah is no longer kosher whatever was in there has ruined the letters... need I say more?

If you don't have or are not sure if you have a properly sealed weather (bug) proof Mezuzah case for all your outdoor Mezuzahs. Call our office today at 845-262-0246! we ship nation wide.

Protect your Mezuzahs so they can protect you!