If you’ve moved into a new home or new facilities, the best way to consecrate it with good intentions and blessings! So go ahead and hold a Mezuzah Fixing ceremony or a Chanukat Habayit (House dedication).
After everyone has assembled, greet your guests with a blessing of welcome. If weather permits, gather just outside your front door. Affix the mezuzah on the right side of your doorpost, about 2/3ds of the way up the doorpost. The top of the mezuzah should be tilted inward.
The following blessing is said: Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav, likboa mezuzah. ‘Blessed are You Gracious One our God, sovereign of all worlds, who makes us holy with your mitzvot and commands us to affix the mezuzah.’
More ideas for your Chanukat Habayit
* Before you fix your mezuzah you can ask everyone to take a moment to silently meditate upon the blessings they wish for this home
* You can sing Hineh ma tov u’manayim, shevet achim gam yachad. ‘How very good is to be when brothers (siblings) dwell together’ or another song based on meaningful Jewish text.
* You can prepare a light meal which will include bread dipped in various symbolic condiments, alone or in combinations: salt (symbolizing a life of holiness) oil (sustenance) or honey (sweetness)
* You can invite guests to share their blessings for your new home.
* A really fun activity: prepare a wall in your house, and paints. Invite your guests to write blessings on the wall, or you can write your blessings and hopes for yourself.
* Prepare a program for your guests explaining what the concept of Chanukay Habayit means to you. You can include some meaningful Jewish prayers and texts.
If you would like to give a Dvar Torah at your Hanukat HaBayit at home or at work, and don’t have time to research and prepare one – then feel free to enquire about our speech service. Contact us!