This first Sugya of the Mezuzah series will focus on defining the exact Mitzvah of Mezuzah.  Is there a special mitzvah for each individual to write the Mezuzah and mount it on the doorpost (as the simple reading of the Pesukim in Shema seems to imply – “Uch’savtam Al Mezuzos Beisecha”), or is the Mitzvah simply to mount a written Mezuzah on the doorpost.

Some of the questions discussed:

• ·         Why don’t we write the Mezuzah directly on the doorpost as the Passuk seems to suggest?
• ·         In addition to the Mitzvah to mount it on the doorpost, is there also a Mitzvah to write the Mezuzah?
• ·        If this is the case (i.e. that there is an additional Mitzvah to write one’s own Mezuzah), should one refrain from buying ready-made Mezuzos, and instead appoint the Sofer as a shaliach to fulfill the homeowner’s Mitzvah of writing the Mezuzah?
• ·        If there is a Mitzvah to write as well, why do we only recite a Bracha on mounting it (“L’kvo’a Mezuzah”)?
• ·         According to those who say there is no Mitzvah to write the Mezuzah - why is the Mitzvah of Mezuzah different from the Mitzvah of Sefer Torah, where the Passuk says “Kisvu”, and one is not yotzei by just buying a ready-made Sefer Torah?
• ·         If a Sofer is writing a Mezuzah, is he considered an Osek Bmitzvah, and therefore exempt from other Mitzvos?