Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

On the House

March 28, 2024

Q Does a greenhouse require a mezuzah?

A There is a machlokess whether a mezuzah is required for something other than a living space. The pasuk (Dvarim 6:9) says, “Uchsavtam al mezuzos baisecha (And write them on the doorposts of your house),” and some authorities say that “baisecha” means a living space (Rambam Mezuzah 6:7) and excludes a storehouse (bais ha’otzar). Others, including the Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 286:1), consider storage space to be baisecha because there is foot traffic (Shach ibid. 2).

In practice, one must affix a mezuzah to a bais ha’otzar. Some Acharonim say not to make a bracha (Aruch Hashulchan ibid. 9), but others allow it (see Chovas Hadar 2:3).

The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 7) cites one view that a walled garden does not require a mezuzah, because its walls aren’t for shelter, only to keep out intruders. This is unlike a bais ha’otzar, whose walls shelter its contents, like the walls of a house (Mikdash Me’at 286:27). The Shulchan Aruch also cites a view that a garden needs a mezuzah mideRabanan. A bracha should not be made.

A greenhouse requires a mezuzah like a bais ha’otzar, because the structure shelters the plants from the elements (see Minchas Yitzchak 10:116, who rules this way without explanation). This applies only to a greenhouse whose purpose is plant cultivation. A greenhouse that is used for recreation and is adjacent to the home is considered a chatzeir (courtyard) and requires a mezuzah according to all, and a bracha should be recited (Chovas Hadar 2 note 25).