Ask the Rov: Does a store or office require a mezuzah?

By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah

The mitzvah of mezuzah applies to dwelling areas (“beisecha”). The Rambam exempts storage areas from mezuzah since they aren’t used for dwelling. However, Shulchan Aruch writes unanimously that storage areas are obligated. Acharonim explain that besides being fit for dwelling (e.g., to exclude a walk-in freezer), the fact that a person enters the storage to access his items is considered as using the space for dwelling.¹ We affix a mezuzah, though the Acharonim debate whether to recite a bracha (as the Rambam’s view isn’t even brought in Shulchan Aruch).²

Shulchan Aruch writes that a store in the market is exempt from mezuzah.³ The Shach explains that a store is considered a temporary dwelling, unlike one’s home.⁴

Poskim ask why a store would be more lenient than storage rooms, which are obligated to have a mezuzah. The Taz suggests that a store is exempt because it is not occupied at night, unlike a dwelling, which is used day and night. (The store’s designated use is not storage, but selling, and that does not happen at night.)⁵

However, many others explain that the Shulchan Aruch’s exemption was specifically for seasonal market booths, which were completely temporary, unlike the permanent storefronts of today, which at least qualify as storage rooms.⁶

The Rebbe once wrote to a storeowner who complained about a lack of success that he should consult with Rov whether his store entrance was obligated in mezuzah. If yes, he should affix one in a kosher manner; and if not, he should ensure there is a siddur and Tehillim in the store.⁷

Today’s stores and offices are used to store merchandise and personal belongings, and if they are used in the evening hours as well, and especially if one eats there, a bracha may be recited.⁸

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From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash