Ask The Rabbi
March 11, 1995
Issue #59
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This edition contains:
1.  Mezuzah -- Which Way is UP??
2.  This Week's Riddle

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S. Aaron Skiles CDT from West Point USMA wrote:

>What is the meaning behind placing the mezuzah in the doorway at a slant
>or angle?  Is it always done that way, or can it be placed upright and
>vertical?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear S. Aaron,

The Gemara says that a mezuzah attached in a way that looks like a "nagar"
is invalid.  Rashi defines "nagar" as a sideways bolt.  According to this,
a mezuzah placed sideways would be invalid.  Rather, one should place it
straight up and down, so that someone walking in could read it.

Rabbenu Tam disagrees.  He defines "Nagar" as a vertical bolt.  He writes
that placing a mezuzah upright would be disrespectful, comparable to
burying a person in a standing position.  Rather, the mezuzah should be
placed like the Tablets were placed in the Holy Ark -- horizontally.

The Shulchan Aruch rules according to the opinion of Rashi -- that the
mezuzah should be placed vertically.  This is the accepted Sefardic
practice and this is also the ruling of the Vilna Gaon.

The Rama, however, cites the opinion of Rabbenu Tam, that a vertical
mezuzah is invalid.  Taking this opinion into consideration, he states that
the best way is to put the mezuzah on a slant, with the word "Shma" towards
the inside.  Since the mezuzah is neither vertical nor horizontal, it is
valid according to both opinions.

I once heard a beautiful explanation of the symbolism of the slanting
mezuzah:  The mezuzah is placed on the door of the house - the house being
the abode of husband and wife.  The slanting mezuzah "teaches" every couple
how to create "Shalom Bayit" - tranquillity in the home.  Each one should
be prepared to compromise and "bend towards the other" in helping to lead a
harmonious family life.

Speaking of Shalom Bayit, did you hear about the newlywed who surprised his
wife on Friday night by bringing home a guest for the Shabbat meal.  "We
only have enough food for one serving," his wife whispered. "Whatever you
do, don't offer him a second helping."  After the main course, however, the
husband asked the guest if he wanted seconds.  "Sure!" said the guest.
"Well...er...on second thought, no thank you."

"How could you do that!?!?" said the wife after the guest had left.  "I
told you not to offer seconds!"  "Ooh! I forgot!" said the husband.

"But didn't you feel me kicking you under the table?" asked the wife.

"It wasn't  ME you were kicking..."

Sources:
o  Menachot 33a, Rashi & Tosefot & Rosh.
o  Yoreh De'ah 289:6 Pitchei Teshuva 9.
o  Aruch Hashulchan 289:17,18.

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This Week's Riddle

Which mitzvah comes only as a result of lack of intent on the part of the
doer or someone acting on his behalf?

Hint:  The answer is not the mitzvah of returning a lost object, since the
mitzvah comes about for the finder as a result of lack of intent of a
different person, i.e., the loser;

Also, the answer is not the mitzvah of bringing a Chatat -- sin-offering --
e.g., as atonement for an "unintentional" transgression of Shabbat, since
the person did intend to do the action, although forgot that the action was
forbidden on Shabbat, or forgot that the day was Shabbat.
Answer next week...

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                     After Purim, the Rabbi Needed Rest

"The Rabbi" is planning a Pesach break starting after Issue #61,
(which will be available beginning Motzei Shabbat March 25).
Please G-d, the Rabbi will be ready to answer your questions again in Issue
#62, available after April 29.
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