CHANUKAT HABAYIT (Dedicating the home)
“And these words, which I command these this day shall be upon thy heart … and you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.”— Deuteronomy: 6:6-9
Affixing mezuzot (decorative casings containing parchments with biblical inscriptions) to the doorposts of a new home is cause for celebration.
Traditionally, this is done within 30 days of moving into a house or apartment. Mezuzot are placed on the upper third of the doorpost, on the right side as one enters. The ceremony is followed by refreshments and rejoicing.