Mezuza on Attic Entrance

Question: We have recently installed a couple of windows in our roof so that we can use our loft as an extra room. The only entrance is via a pull-down ladder in the ceiling. Does that entrance require a mezuza?

Answer: The Gemara (Menachos 34a) teaches that one must affix a mezuza to every doorway within a house, including an entrance to an attic. Thus, Rambam (Mezuza 6:10) writes that one must affix a mezuza to a small entrance that leads from a house to an attic.

Rashi (Menachos 34a) explains that this entrance is constructed with upright walls surrounding the stairs to prevent unauthorised access. The Noda Biyehuda (YD 2:184) explains that Rashi wrote this as had it been a simple opening in the attic floor, there would be no requirement for a mezuza (see Minchas Elazar 1:36). Additionally, the Gemara (Kiddushin 22b) teaches that an eved ivri who refuses to be emancipated must have his ear pierced by a door. This door needs to be attached and upright, just like the doorframe upon which we attach a mezuza.

The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (11:20) and Aruch Hashulchan (YD 287:1) quote the Noda Biyehuda and write that one only affixes a mezuza to an upright door.

In conclusion, one does not attach a mezuza to a pull-down door in the ceiling or trapdoor.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wait Until Nacht to Count the Omer

Question: When is the best time to count the omer if I am not davening maariv with a minyan at nacht ? Answer: The Beis Yosef (OC 489:1) highlights a machlokes regarding whether one may count the omer during bein hashemashos (the time between shekia , sunset, and nacht , nightfall). The Rosh, (Pesachim 10:40), Tur (OC 489:1) and Tosafos (Menachos 66a) argue that since counting the omer is miderabanan nowadays, it is permissible to count from shekia . On the other hand, Rambam (Temidin Umusafin 7:22) and the Ran (Pesachim 28a) assert that one should wait until nacht . Following this reasoning, the Mishna Berura (489:14) states that, ideally, one should wait until nacht to count (see Aruch Hashulchan OC 489:7). Other poskim , including the Bach (OC 489:1), Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 489:12) and R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 1:23) write that it is acceptable to count after shekia . The Shulchan Aruch (OC 489:1) advises that the omer should be counted after maariv . The Mishna Beru...
Read more

Disturbance During the Amida

Question: I brought my child to shul and he began making noise, disturbing others during shemone esrei. Was I permitted to take him out while I was davening ? Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 30b) teaches that one may not interrupt shemone esrei even if a king inquires about one’s welfare or if a snake is coiled around one’s leg. The Gemara (Berachos 32b) clarifies that this restriction applies only in non-dangerous circumstances. The Mishna refers specifically to a Jewish king and to a harmless snake (see Shulchan Aruch OC 104:3). The Vilna Gaon (Biur Hagra, OC 104:3) notes a machlokes regarding whether physical movement constitutes an interruption. According to Rabbeinu Yona (Berachos 21a) and the Rema (OC 104:3), mere movement is not deemed an interruption. However, the Rosh maintains that it is, and therefore one may not move during shemone esrei except in a case of danger. The Magen Avraham (104:3) and Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 104:3) write that although one should n...
Read more

Time to Count the Omer on Friday

Question: I forgot to count the omer on Thursday night, and only remembered after davening kabbalas Shabbos . As this was before shekia , can I still continue counting with a beracha , or was it too late? Answer: Tosafos (Menachos 66a) discusses a machlokes regarding whether one may count the omer during the day or if it must specifically be done at night. Accordingly, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 489:7) stipulates that if one misses counting at night, they should count during the next day without reciting a beracha. They may then resume counting with a beracha on subsequent nights (see Mishna Berura 489:34; Shaar Hatzion 489:45). The Taz (OC 600:2) discusses a case where a community had not fulfilled the mitzva of hearing the shofar on the second day of Rosh Hashana, which fell on a Friday. They began davening kabbalas Shabbos early, and then someone brought them a shofar . The Taz rules that despite having already been mekabel Shabbos , they could still blow the shofar (see Taz OC ...
Read more