Tall Doorways

Question:

Our front door is not gigantic, but I measured it and found that the beginning of the top third is above my shoulders (I’m average height, if that makes a difference). Actually, if I stretch a bit, my shoulders reach the beginning of the top third. Should I put the mezuzah at the height of my shoulder, even though it will be below the top third?

Answer:

Since your shoulders can reach the beginning of the top third with a bit of a stretch,^[1] you should still put it within the top third.^[A] If this is not so, it should be placed at shoulder height of a normal person.^[B] Practically speaking, if the top third of the doorway begins above 5’ 11” (1.8 meters), the mezuzah should be placed at a little above 4’ 6” (1.4 meters), which is average shoulder height.^[2]

[1] Misgeres HaShulchan, comments to Lechem Hapanim, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11, cited by Mezuzot Beitecha 289:23.

[2] Kuntres HaMezuzah 289:20; Agur B’ohalecha 12:8.

Sketches[+]

Sketches
↑A
↑B