Kissing Grandma And The Mezuza

Does an elevator require mezuza?

Am I nuts? Well, of course, but that's besides the point....

What sorta crazy chumra is thaaaaat?

Vell, not so fast. Some people hear new ideas and are quick to express an uneducated opinion based soley on ... emotion. [I LIKE that line. Feel free to use it when you want to put down an opponent in an argument:-). CHAS VI-SHALOM!]

Open up a Menachos, turn to 34a look at Rashi dibbur hamaschil "Lul". It would seem to emerge from that Rashi that our elevators ARE obligated in mezuza. Uh oh!!

Well, if you live chutz la'aretz your building is probably owned by goyim so no mezuza. But in Israel??

Well, there are poskim who say that an elevator does not require a mezuza but many argue that it does [see the sefer "shaarei mezuza" for all the sources]. The remaining question is where exactly to affix the mezuza, on the right or left side of the entrance and if every floor requires one or only the lobby. That, too, is a big dispute.

If you are in Bnei Brak you will no longer be surprised when you see that they have mezuzas on their elevators.

In the Old City none of the buildings have mezuzas on their elevators.

In the Old City none of the buildings have elevators.

But we do have a lot of Arabs who prefer cigarettes and faded jeans... When I see them I sort of want to go into an elevator and be on a different floor.

And remember - kissing the mezuza is a much, much later custom mentioned nowhere [to my limited knowledge] in our earlier sources. But kissing your grandmother is a BIG mitzva. So kiss the mezuza but even more so your grandma!! And if you are with your grandma in an elevator, try to make pleasant conversation [maybe about mezuzas "Grandma - describe the prettiest mezuza case you have ever seen"].

It is SOOO awkward in there.