FAQs
Mezuzah Checking FAQ’s
- How often do mezuzos have to be checked?
- How often do tefillin have to be checked?
- What is a Mezuzah House Call?
- How long will my mezuzos be down?
- What do you check for that the computer can’t do?
- Why do I need a Mezuzah House Call?
- How often do mezuzos need to be checked?=
- Does a Mezuzah House Call cost more than bring the mezuzos to the sofer?
- Can you provide me with references?
- Can you check my tefillin at the same time that you do the Mezuzah House Call?
- Do you sell new tefillin and mezuzos?
- What are your credentials?
- Can I bring my mezuzos to you if I am not interested in a house call?
1. How often do mezuzos have to be checked?
A: Every three and one half years. The Shulchan Aruch says ‘twice in a shmitta’. This means twice in a seven year period. People ask why it is stated in this somewhat obscure way. Why not just say, “every three and one half years” like I said. I will give two possible reasons for this. First, a shmitta was a normal unit of measure for time. Just like we talk about decades, they used shmitta cycles. Second, by saying twice in a seven year period they were allowing a bit of leeway. You don’t have to count three and one half years to the day. In other words get your mezuzos checked about once every three and one half years.
2. How often do tefillin have to be checked?
A: The answer is a bit more tricky than the answer for mezuzos. My Rav, (Rav Avraham Tzvi Wosner, Posek for the Vaad Mishmeres STaM) told me I should tell people that they should check their tefillin from “time to time”. I add that if all of the pieces of the pie are in place they don’t have to rush and check them, but each piece of the pie that you take away should be considered a little nudge to get you to take your tefillin to the sofer.
Here are the pieces of the pie:
- Your battim are not in good condition (paint is peeling, they may not be square, they are bending on the bottom);
- the retzuous are not completely black;
- you don’t know if your tefillin were ever computer checked;
- your parshios are old;
- you leave your tefillin in hot cars from time to time;
- you are a shivtzer (you sweat during davening );
- your parshios are on the big side and had to be shtupped into the battim (which puts a lot of stress on the parshios where they are folded).
3. What is a Mezuzah House Call?
A: A Mezuzah House Call is an on-site mezuzah inspection at your home or place of work.
4. How long will my mezuzos be down?
A: Most mezuzos are down for only a few minutes at a time. This is the ideal way to check mezuzos.
5. What do you check for that the computer can’t do?
A: I check for broken, touching, and incorrectly written letters, smudges, water and sun damage, missing taggim, and more.
6. Why do I need a Mezuzah House Call?
A: A House Call is appropriate for someone who may not have the time to take their mezuzos down, and schlep them to the sofer. In addition, a house call ensures that your mezuzos are affixed to all of the doorposts that need mezuzos in secure, weatherproof casing. In 75% of the homes I correct at least one mistake relating to how the mezuzos were put up. Remember, even if a mezuzah is kosher, you only fulfill the mitzvah if it is put up correctly. If you’ve been putting off a mezuzah inspection, you should schedule an appointment.
7. How often do mezuzos need to be checked?
A: Every three and one half years (Shulchan Aruch Yore Deah 291).
8. Does a Mezuzah House Call cost more than bring the mezuzos to the sofer?
A: Yes, but since my prices are competitive most of my customers consider the extra charge to be well worth it. When you consider the time you will be saving and you see the quality of my work I think you will agree.
9. Can you provide me with references?
A: Yes, from customers and rabbis who are familiar with my work.
10. Can you check my tefillin at the same time that you do the Mezuzah House Call?
A: Yes, afer I finish checking the mezuzos I will take your tefillin to my office and check them there.
11. Do you sell new tefillin and mezuzos?
A: Yes. I have a large selection of new tefillin parshios, battim, retzuous, mezuzos, and cases. I also sell megillos and sifrei torah.
12. What are your credentials?
A: I have S’micha from the Vaad Mishmeres STaM and have worked for many years as a sofer.
13. Can I bring my mezuzos to you if I am not interested in a house call?
A: Yes.