TFN no.5753.14 35

CCAR RESPONSA

Mezuzah on a Synagogue

5753.14

She’elah
When we built our present synagogue we did not put a mezuzah on the building. We are now expanding and want

to revisit the issue. What is your advice and judgment? Should we affix a mezuzah now? (R. Norman D. Hirsh,

Seattle, WA)

Teshuvah
The command to affix a mezuzah derives from Deuteronomy 6:9 which says that it should be done to

“your house and gates.” The term “house” has traditionally been interpreted as a dwelling place, and the

Shulchan Arukh expressly states that synagogues do not need a mezuzah unless they contain an

apartment.1

However, minhag has gone beyond the minimum requirements of the Halakhah. In Israel, all

public buildings and synagogues have mezuzot, and this custom is also found in the Diaspora. Similarly,

in Toronto all synagogues have mezuzot, and it is our feeling that the custom will sooner or later spread to

most places.

Is there any reason why Reform temples should have a special policy that disagrees with this

development? We see no reason for it. On the contrary, the affixing of a mezuzah to the entrance(s) of the building

will give you the opportunity to stress the importance of this symbol for every Jew.

For the command to affix mezuzot to our private homes and apartments is being increasingly neglected, and it

must be made clear that in this respect as in any other, the synagogue serves as a model but not as a surrogate for

our obligations. It will also give you a chance to discuss this with your building and worship committees and thus

make the she’elah an instrument for talmud torah.

Notes

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