Where to Place a Mezuzah: Complete Doorpost Rules (Height, Side, and Angle)

The Torah commands us to write these words “on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Devarim 6:9). The Gemara derives that the mezuzah is placed on the right side of the entrance as one enters, and Rambam (Hilchot Mezuzah 6:12) rules that if it is placed on the left, it is invalid.

Height: Upper Third of the Doorpost

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 289:2) rules that the mezuzah must be placed in the upper third of the doorpost. The upper third begins at the point two-thirds of the way up and extends to the top. The ideal placement is at the beginning of that upper third. Placing the mezuzah too low, in the middle or lower third of the doorpost, is a common mistake that affects proper fulfillment of the mitzvah and should be corrected.

Depth: Within the First Tefach

The mezuzah must be placed within the first tefach (handsbreadth) of the doorpost closest to the outside. This is derived from the Gemara in Menachot 33b and codified by the Shulchan Aruch. Practically, this means the mezuzah should be fixed close to the exterior side of the doorway, while still being securely attached in the proper place.

Angle: Diagonal or Vertical?

This is the most well-known point of practical disagreement in mezuzah placement.

The Rambam rules that the mezuzah should be placed upright along the length of the doorpost.

The Rama writes that because there are differing opinions about the proper orientation, the Ashkenazi custom is to place the mezuzah at a diagonal, tilted with the top angling toward the inside of the room.

Ashkenazim follow this ruling.

Sephardim follow the Shulchan Aruch and place the mezuzah vertically upright.

How to Affix It

The mezuzah must be affixed securely to the doorpost. A mezuzah case attached firmly to the doorpost satisfies this requirement. A mezuzah that is merely propped in place, resting loosely, or otherwise not properly fixed does not constitute a valid placement.

At the same time, the mezuzah should not be set into a carved-out cavity within the doorpost itself in a way that treats the groove as its placement, since the classic sources treat that as invalid. In unusual architectural situations — such as marble, metal, or glass framing — practical placement should be reviewed with a competent halachic authority.

Which Doorways Require a Mezuzah?

Not every doorway is obligated. The Shulchan Aruch rules that a doorway requires a mezuzah when it has two doorposts and a lintel, and a room that lacks four cubits by four cubits is generally exempt. Bathrooms and bathhouse-type spaces do not require a mezuzah. At the same time, not every storage or utility-type area is exempt; some non-residential spaces do require a mezuzah, depending on their structure and use. A structure in the ceiling — like a beam built for another purpose — may sometimes affect the lintel question, but such cases should be reviewed individually before affixing.

Common Mistakes That Affect the Mitzvah

Wrong side. Placing the mezuzah on the left side is not a minor error — it means the mitzvah is not fulfilled. Always orient from the perspective of someone entering the room.

Too low. Many mezuzahs are placed at eye level out of habit or aesthetics. If that falls in the lower two-thirds of the doorpost, it should be repositioned.

Pasul scroll inside a correct case. A mezuzah placed on the correct side at the correct height with a a printed or invalid scroll does not fulfill the mitzvah. The scroll is the mitzvah; the case is secondary.

About Kosher Mezuzah

At Kosher Mezuzah, every scroll we carry is written by a certified sofer, checked by a trained magiah, and documented with the sofer's name, the writing date, and an image of your scroll. Placement matters — and so does what's inside the case. If you have questions about a specific doorway, shared entrance, or unusual architectural situation, we're happy to help you think through the halachic considerations.

Conclusion

Mezuzah placement is precise: right side of the doorway as you enter, upper third of the doorpost, near the outer side of the entrance, affixed securely, and angled according to your community's custom. Get the placement right, verify the scroll is kosher, and check it on schedule. That's the complete fulfillment of this mitzvah.

‍