I am looking into buying and installing Mezuzot on and in my home. I am wondering about the different materials available for the case, as I do not want to the outdoor mezuzot scrolls to go bad. Any suggestions for the out door ones? What do you use and how well did it hold up?
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Many people wrap their scrolls in saran wrap to keep the moisture out. Regardless of what case they are put in– AaronNov 10 '15 at 3:40
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Yes, I mean the case, not the parchment. Sorry I was not clear about that. I also read that wrapping in wax paper is better than any kind of plastic wrap because the parchment will sweat if wrapped in plastic.– Lawrence VoltzNov 10 '15 at 3:40
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@Aaron, I discovered when I was in Israel that wax paper is better. It's easier to prepare and is way less of a mess. FWIW, HaSofer uses it, as well as many American sofrim.– Noach MiFrankfurtNov 10 '15 at 3:42
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See also judaism.stackexchange.com/q/8714 and judaism.stackexchange.com/q/27831– msh210 ♦Nov 10 '15 at 4:01
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Chabad custom ,based on the Baal Shem Tov, is to not use a metal mezzuzah case. Metal is seen as used for war which shortens life. The commandment of mezzuzah lengthens life. I am not sure if this includes silver, which could be ornamental and not used for war? Some mekubalim avoid leather as well– David KennerNov 10 '15 at 4:37
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Assuming that you are referring to the mezuzah case, rather than the mezuzah itself, I have heard from my sofer, R' Melech Michaels that the ideal outdoor case is either made out of lucite or white plastic, as these keep out a fair amount of moisture and do not conduct heat as well as some others. At my house, we have a ceramic case and the mezuzah is still kosher.
answered Nov 10 '15 at 3:40
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"At my house, we have a ceramic case and the mezuzah is still kosher." How long has it lasted without becoming invalid?– Double AA ♦Nov 10 '15 at 4:23
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@DoubleAA, my parents bought the house in '97 and the case and klaf are at least that old. Nov 10 '15 at 5:31