Why is the Mezuzah Slanted?

You may have noticed that most mezuzahs are placed at a slight angle when affixed to a door. But why is that? A common explanation is that it is because of a compromise between two rabbinic opinions on how it should be positioned. A classic Jewish dilemma!

Here is the debate. Rashi (an 11th-century scholar) and others argued that the mezuzah should be placed vertically, as it is a sacred object and should stand upright like a Torah scroll. Tosafot (medieval French commentators) believed it should be horizontal, similar to how the Tablets of the Ten Commandments were placed in the Ark of the Covenant.

In the Ashkenazi tradition, Rabbi Jacob ben Asher (the "Tur," 13th–14th century) ruled that the mezuzah should be slanted, with the top leaning inward toward the home. This was a way to respect both opinions. A compromise! How nice.

Many Sephardic Jews, following the rulings of Rabbi Yosef Karo (author of the Shulchan Aruch), place their mezuzahs vertically, as he ruled there was no need for a compromise. And that's that.

In short, the slanting position symbolizes compromise and peace within a Jewish home. Some say it represents G-d’s protection, as it tilts toward the household.