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B'nai Emet -> Messages -> Conservative Jewish Commitment -> 2002Blessing a HomeHow can a person “bless” a new home with a special ceremony in which friends can participate? The dedication of a home (Hanukkat HaBayit) parallels the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Your home is a Mikdash Me’at, a Temple in miniature in which Jewish living takes place, in which Jewish values are transmitted, in which Torah is studied, in which mitzvot are observed, in which Shabbat and Kashrut are key elements, from which tzedakah is offered. In its totality, your home is a place from which sanctity (kedushah) emerges. In Psalm 30, King David begins with the words “Mizmor Shir Hanukkat Ha’Bayit.” This is an appropriate reading to begin your ceremony. And Psalm 127 begins, “Unless God builds the house, those who build labor in vain.” This, too, can be read by a friend or by everyone in attendance. The Hanukkat HaBayit features the affixing of a mezuzah to each of the doors which directly leads to the outside. Often a mezuzah is placed on each of the entrances to a room, excluding a bathroom. The selection of the mezuzah case is a personal decision, whether wood, plexiglass, or metal. Each family member may choose a case, or friends may purchase one as a gift. The parchment containing the Sh’ma Yisrael and the V’Ahavta paragraph must be Kosher. Be sure the parchment (k’laf) is from a Kosher animal and the text has been handwritten by a reliable scribe (sofer). Invite guests and friends to affix a mezuzah to a different door/entrance as a personal honor. When the mezuzah is attached, a blessing is recited which concludes with the phrase “likboa mezuzah”. Everyone should recite the “she-he-hiyanu” which expresses our thanks to God for allowing us to reach this joyous occasion. Be sure to celebrate with a Seudat Mitzvah, a commanded meal to mark your new Jewish home. Consider placing those mezuzot which are on a child’s room entrance at a lower level, about one-third from the top, so the kids can touch and kiss the mezuzah often. As they grow, the mezuzah is moved higher. Mazal tov! Click here to read Rabbi Abramson’s explanation of Blessings and Procedures for Affixing a Mezuzah.
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