On Which Side of the Door Is a Mezuzah Placed?

A mezuzah is traditionally placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes and many workplaces. One of the most common questions about this practice is which side of the doorway the mezuzah should be mounted on.

Jewish tradition provides a clear guideline: the mezuzah is placed on the right side of the doorpost when entering the room or space.

The Right Side When Entering

The mezuzah is affixed to the right side of the doorway as a person enters the room. This rule applies whether the doorway leads from outside into a home or from one room to another inside the home.

The key factor is determining the direction of entry. The mezuzah is placed on the right side of the doorpost for someone stepping into the space being entered.

Determining the Direction of Entry

In most cases, the direction of entry is straightforward. For example, when entering a home from outside, the mezuzah is placed on the right side of the doorframe as one walks into the house.

For interior doorways, the side is determined by which room is considered the primary living space. The mezuzah is placed on the right side when entering that room.

For more guidance on where mezuzahs are commonly installed throughout a home, see Where Should a Mezuzah Be Placed? Room-by-Room Guide.

Placement Height on the Doorpost

In addition to the side of the doorway, tradition also guides where the mezuzah is positioned along the doorframe. It is usually placed in the upper portion of the doorpost, within the top third of the frame.

This placement keeps the mezuzah visible while also protecting the scroll inside.

The Role of the Mezuzah Scroll

The religious significance of the mezuzah lies in the parchment scroll placed inside the case. The scroll contains specific passages from the Torah written by a trained scribe according to traditional rules.

To learn more about the requirements for the parchment itself, see What Makes a Mezuzah Scroll Kosher?.

Consistency Throughout the Home

When multiple mezuzahs are installed in a home, the same principle applies to every doorway: the mezuzah is mounted on the right side when entering the room.

This creates consistency across the home and reinforces the symbolic role of the mezuzah as a reminder of Jewish teachings.

Summary

A mezuzah is traditionally placed on the right side of the doorpost when entering a room or home. Determining the direction of entry helps identify the correct side of the doorway. Mounted in the upper portion of the doorframe, the mezuzah serves as a visible and meaningful expression of Jewish tradition within the home.