Fallen Mezuza

Question: One of our mezuzos was accidentally knocked off. Do we need to fast?

Answer: The Magen Avraham (OC 44:5, quoting the Mishpatei Shmuel) and Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 44:5) write that there is a minhag for a person to fast if their tefillin fall to the ground. The Mahari Brunna (127) explains that dropping tefillin should be seen as a sign from shamayim, prompting one to do teshuva. The Chida (Chaim Sha’al 1:12) clarifies that the fast serves as atonement for a lapse in proper care and respect (see Tzitz Eliezer 5:1).

R’ Moshe Zvi Landau (Mezuzos Melachim, Halacha Lemoshe 201) discusses a machlokes regarding whether one must fast if a mezuza falls. R’ Moshe Leib Rosenbaum (Beis Aryeh 15:6) maintains that fasting is required, whereas R’ Chaim Falagi (Lev Chaim 3:131) argues that a mezuza does not possess the same level of sanctity as a sefer Torah or tefillin, and therefore fasting is unnecessary (see Maharsham 2:264).

R’ Menashe Klein (Mishne Halachos 5:195) and R’ Yitzchak Yosef (Yalkut Yosef, Sova Semachos, Mezuza 106) note that the Magen Avraham does not mention a need to fast for a fallen mezuza. R’ Moshe Stern (Baer Moshe 3:9:8) and R’ Shraga Feivish Schneebalg (Shraga Hameir 3:12:1) also write that the minhag to fast does not apply to a mezuza. Thus, the prevailing minhag is to give tzedaka instead of fasting. The Chida advises that each Rav should guide his kehilla according to what is most appropriate.

The Pischei Teshuva (YD 289:1) and the Aruch Hashulchan (YD 289:4) mention that just as one must recite a new beracha when putting a tallis back on after it has fallen off (Shulchan Aruch OC 8:14), one should also recite a new beracha when rehanging a fallen mezuza (see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:7).

However, R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer YD 3:17:11) rules that a new beracha is not necessary when reaffixing a fallen mezuza. He explains that when a tallis falls off, the mitzva is considered complete, and putting it back on requires a new beracha. In contrast, the mitzva of a mezuza remains ongoing even when it falls, so it should be reaffixed immediately without a new beracha (see Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 3:14).

In conclusion, when rehanging a fallen mezuza, Ashkenazim should recite a new beracha, while Sefardim generally do not. In all cases, the mezuza should be reaffixed immediately. Instead of fasting, give tzedaka.