Checking mezuzot: when, why and how to have your scrolls checked

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 291:1) sets the checking of an individual's mezuzot at twice in seven years, and of public buildings at twice in fifty years. The reason: parchment and ink are organic materials that age, and an invalid mezuzah does not fulfil the mitzvah.

Have it checked without delay if the mezuzah was exposed to rain, direct sun or renovation work (paint, humidity), if the case is cracked, if the scroll shows stains or a musty smell, or if you notice ink flaking. Outdoor mezuzot and those next to bathrooms deteriorate fastest.

The sofer unrolls the scroll, examines every letter under magnification (shape, contact between letters, cracks, tagin), verifies word order and the absence of omissions, then inspects the overall condition of the parchment. He can repair certain cracks and touch-ups where halacha permits (for example a letter whose shape has not changed). He writes a report: kosher, repaired, or pasul to be replaced.

At Beth Hasofer, checking costs €12 per mezuzah, returned within 7 business days of receipt. Order the number of checks you need, then send us the scrolls following the instructions received by email.