Mezuza on Block of Flats

Question: I recently moved to a block of flats in which most of the inhabitants are Jewish. Is there an obligation to affix a mezuza to the front door of the building?

Answer: The Gemara (Yuma 11a) teaches that one must affix a mezuza to the gate of a city inhabited by Jews. Rashi explains that this requirement applies even when the city is inhabited primarily, but not exclusively, by Jews.

The Shulchan Aruch (YD 286:1) rules that one is obligated to affix a mezuza to a house owned jointly by partners. The Rema adds that this obligation applies only when all of the partners are Jewish. Accordingly, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (11:19) states that one is exempt from affixing a mezuza to a house or courtyard inhabited jointly by Jewish and non-Jewish residents. The Shach (YD 286:6) explains that this exemption is based on considerations of safety.

Nonetheless, the Gra (Biur Hagra YD 286:2) cites the Rashba, who maintains that the obligation applies regardless. The Aruch Hashulchan (YD 286:2) adds that in contemporary times, other residents are generally more tolerant of mezuzos. Similarly, R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:546) writes that one should affix a mezuza to the front door of a block of flats even if the majority of the residents are not Jewish, unless there is concern that doing so may cause animosity. In such cases, the mezuza should be affixed without a beracha (see Betzel Hachachma 5:157).

In conclusion, one should affix a mezuza to the entrance of a block of flats without a beracha, even if the majority of the residents are not Jewish.

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