Orthodox Community at Penn

A small holy scroll that is attached to the doors of Jewish residences. It contains two paragraphs from the Torah that each include the Biblical verse that obligates in the commandment of mezuzah - "you shall write it (the Torah) on your doorposts and your gates".

What kind of rooms need a mezuzah?

Any room about 6x6' or more, this includes dorm rooms and any other room where Jew's live in one's house, apartment or dorm that has a door post, except for a bathroom/shower. For a room shared with a non-Jew, under most circumstances one should affix a mezuzah to one's door - for further details speak to one's local Rabbi.

Where can I buy a mezuzah?

Here on campus one can purchase a mezuzah through Rabbi Levi, the Chabad Rabbi, the gabbai's, or through the store in philly - ask geof if he wants to be in charge..
[How does one choose a mezuzah? Although the quality of a mezuzah can best be determined by an expert, there are a few things anybody can tell at a glance, that generally indicate a carefully-written mezuzah: [1] Size - mezuzahs shorter than your index finger are hard to write legibly. [2] Neatness - writing should be clear and readable, with neat margins. [3] Crowns - many letters in the mezuzah are decorated with small "crowns". These should be delicate and should not distort the letter's shape. [4] There are many particulars as to how a mezuzah should be written, and many are not visible in the finished product. Therefore, always buy a mezuzah from a reputable dealer, or look for a Mishmeret Stam certification (one can buy them on-line at Stam.net).]

Does a mezuzah need a special case?

Although a mezuzah does not technically need a case, it is generally difficult to affix it to one's door without a case, and the case serves to protect the parchment from damage. The case can be plain or can be artistically designed, and can be made of any type of material.

Where do I affix it?

In the upper 1/3 of the inside edge of the door frame (about shoulder height or above - but not too high), on the right side of a person entering each room. For doors between two rooms, on the right of a person entering the innermost room. In the case of arches, double doors, revolving doors, etc., ask a rabbi.

How do I affix it?

Ideally, one should use nails or screw to permanently affix the mezuzah to the door post. In many cases though, one may not be able to drill or damage the door post (ask your landlord first!) and therefore one should use a strong double sided tape that will attach the mezuzah firmly, and will be able to be removed without damaging the doorpost.
Ashkenazic Jews tilt the mezuzah slightly, with the top leaning in towards the room, while Sephardic Jews place it fully vertical.
Prior to affixing the mezuzah, the following blessing is recited:
???? ??? ?' ?-????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ??????? ?????? ????? ?????.
Baruch Ata Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam Asher Kideshanu Be-mitzvotav Vetzivanu Likboa Mezuzah.
"Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah."

When do I affix it?

The sooner the better. At the latest, within 30 days of your arrival in your room.

Does affixing a mezuzah preclude any activities in my room?

It is proper to conduct oneself in a manner respectful of this holy object. That's the reason bathrooms, showers, and the like are exempted from mezuzah.