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MEZUZOT Buying Guide for
A kosher mezuzah on every doorway is If you need both a mezuzah klaf, mezuzah scroll, and a mezuzah case, start by first choosing from HaSOFER's wide selection of mezuzah cases. This is because the size of the mezuzah case determines the size of the mezuzah scroll you need. Note that the size listed for all HaSOFER mezuzah cases is the size of the mezuzah scroll appropriate for that mezuzah case and not the overall height of the mezuzah case. Mezuzah parchments come in standard heights of 6, 10, 12, and 15 centimeters. Until recently, mezuzah parchments taller than 6 centimeters were not commonly found, but this has changed as high quality parchment has become more accessible and more reasonably priced. The most commonly used sizes today, and also the most economical, are 10 and 12 centimeter. For a higher quality mezuzah, however, choose the larger, 15 centimeter size. If a small mezuzah scroll is absolutely essential, be prepared to pay more for this, as it is more difficult to write. A 6 centimeter mezuzah parchment is more expensive than a 10 or 12 centimeter parchment of equal quality. Life expectancy of all of HaSOFER's 10 and 12 centimeter mezuzah parchments is approximately 20 years and not a factor of the price you pay for the klaf. A 6 centimeter mezuzah parchment has a shorter life expectancy as its smaller letters have a smaller surface area for bonding to the parchment. The actual lifespan of a mezuzah klaf varies greatly, depending upon how much it is exposed to heat, cold, dampness, dust, direct sunlight, and other factors. Except for special circumstances, it is strongly advised by all poskim, rabbinical authorities, to replace existing small mezuzah cases, those less than 6 cm or 2.5 inches tall, with a larger mezuzah case and a mezuzah klaf sized to match. However if you have an heirloom mezuzah case or one with great sentimental or monetary value, we can provide you with a mezuzah klaf to fit it. To determine the size mezuzah parchment you need, measure the internal length and depth of your mezuzah cover carefully, leaving sufficient room for closing the mezuzah without crushing, creasing or rolling the parchment too tightly. If your mezuzah will be exposed to direct sunlight, dampness or extremes in temperature, choose one of HaSOFER's simple yet elegant LeDOROT mezuzah cases or one of our other weather resistant mezuzah cases. If you are putting up the mezuzah on a steel or other doorframe on which you cannot use screws, choose one of our many styles of self-adhesive mezuzah cases designed for mounting without using either nails or screws. To learn about the factors you should keep in mind as you choose your mezuzah case read our article The Three Purposes of Your Mezuzah Case. To be sure you're putting your mezuzah up correctly read Where and How to Put Up a Mezuzah. On this page you'll find printable summaries in English, Hebrew and Russian of the laws of how to put up a mezuzah. All of HaSOFER's mezuzah klafim are written by our own certified sofrim, scribes, using only the highest quality natural parchment and ink. Each klaf is examined twice manually by certified megihim, examiners, and then also checked by computer. The kashrut level and price of every mezuzah klaf is set by HaSOFER's poskim according to the scroll's adherence to Halacha, Jewish Law, and its level of hiddur, beauty and enhanced level of kashrut. HaSOFER's poskim include:
The laws about mezuzah: which doorways require a mezuzah, where and how to put up a mezuzah, how often and how to
check them, and when you are permitted to remove them are very intricate. If you have questions about any of the laws of
mezuzah email them to us at Mezuzot@HaSOFER.com and we will answer you as quickly as possible.
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