Survey Answers
1) Q. How often do Mezuzahs need to be checked?
A. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch writes that optimally Mezuzahs should be checked on a yearly basis during the Month of Elul. If that is not possible or if its still a few months until Elul, Gedolei Hador have urged that Mezuzahs be checked on a 12 months basis not limited to Chodesh Elul. In additon Mezuzahs are checked when misfortune arises be it health or monetary. Mezuzahs need to be checked minimally twice in seven years I.e every three and half years to ensure their Kosher Status.
2) Q. When moving into a new house or apartment when are we required to put up Mezuzahs?
A. It depends whether you are renting or buying and whether you are living inside Israel or outside Israel. Outside Israel if you are renting you are not required to put up Mezuzahs until 30 days have passed. This is because only then is it considered a permanent dwelling. There are those who have the custom to put up Mezuzahs right away without a Brachah and then on day 29 take one down and replace with a nicer Mezuzah or just have it checked so on day 30 you can put up with a Brocha and have in mind the rest of the Mezuzahs. If you purchase a home it is a permanent dwelling and therefore you are required to put up Mezuzahs right away I.e the first night you sleep there, with a Brochah, there is no 30 day grace period. In the event you are slowly moving and using as a storage house in the meantime there are opinions who hold you would need to put up even before you move in, ask your local Rabbi. If you are living inside Israel whether you are buying or renting you need to put up Mezuzahs the first night you move in.
3) Q. Why do Mezuzahs need to be checked?
A. All of the above
A. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch writes that optimally Mezuzahs should be checked on a yearly basis during the Month of Elul. If that is not possible or if its still a few months until Elul, Gedolei Hador have urged that Mezuzahs be checked on a 12 months basis not limited to Chodesh Elul. In additon Mezuzahs are checked when misfortune arises be it health or monetary. Mezuzahs need to be checked minimally twice in seven years I.e every three and half years to ensure their Kosher Status.
2) Q. When moving into a new house or apartment when are we required to put up Mezuzahs?
A. It depends whether you are renting or buying and whether you are living inside Israel or outside Israel. Outside Israel if you are renting you are not required to put up Mezuzahs until 30 days have passed. This is because only then is it considered a permanent dwelling. There are those who have the custom to put up Mezuzahs right away without a Brachah and then on day 29 take one down and replace with a nicer Mezuzah or just have it checked so on day 30 you can put up with a Brocha and have in mind the rest of the Mezuzahs. If you purchase a home it is a permanent dwelling and therefore you are required to put up Mezuzahs right away I.e the first night you sleep there, with a Brochah, there is no 30 day grace period. In the event you are slowly moving and using as a storage house in the meantime there are opinions who hold you would need to put up even before you move in, ask your local Rabbi. If you are living inside Israel whether you are buying or renting you need to put up Mezuzahs the first night you move in.
3) Q. Why do Mezuzahs need to be checked?
A. All of the above
