עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permissible to transfer mezuzahs to another house?
Question
Hello, I am moving to a new house and I have one mezuzah that I bought not long ago. Can I transfer it to the new house? Thank you very much
Answer
Greetings,
In principle, it is forbidden for someone who is moving to take the mezuzahs with them; rather, they should be left in their place (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 287:2).
However, if the mezuzahs are valuable, you may take them if you establish other mezuzahs, even simple ones, in their place. To avoid any concern, it is advisable to take the mezuzahs for the purpose of checking them, and as soon as you take them, you should establish other mezuzahs in their place.
Sources: According to the teachings of the holy Rabbi of Botchatch ZT”L in his book Da'at Kedoshim (Yoreh De'ah 287). Likewise, it is ruled in the responsa Minchat Yitzchak Vol. 5 (Siman 121:2) and in the responsa Yabia Omer Vol. 3 (Yoreh De'ah 18) and in the book Helichot Olam Vol. 7 (page 240). See also in the responsa Shevet Halevi Vol. 2 (end of Siman 149) and also in the book Ashrei Ha-Ish Vol. 2 (Yoreh De'ah 64:12) in the name of Rabbi Y. S. Elyashiv ZT”L, who permitted it outright without any need to submit the mezuzahs for checking. Furthermore, see in the responsa Mishneh Halachot Vol. 7 (Siman 190) and in the responsa Teshuvot V'Hanhagot Vol. 1 (Siman 289) and Vol. 2 (Siman 500).
Wishing you well,
Hillel Meirs
