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Maimonides
The following are excerpts of the laws of mezuzah from the writings of Maimonides, known in the Jewish world as the RaMBaM: an acronym for Rabenu Moshe Ben Mimun (Our Teacher Moses son of Maimun). The Rambam lived from 4895-4958 (1135-1198) and was a Rabbinic authority, codifier, philosopher and royal physician.
Meaning of Mezuzah
One should always be attentive to the "Mezuzah" since it is a universal and permanent obligation. Each time one enters or leaves his home he will encounter the unity of the divine name and remember His love. He will be aroused from his sleep and his obsession with the ephemeral. He will know that nothing is real indeed, only the knowledge of the One who gives the world its reality. He will soon recover his conscientiousness and walk in the ways of responsibility.
Which doors require a Mezuzah?
Ten conditions (see below) must be met before the dweller of a room becomes obligated to have a mezuzah. If one of the conditions is missing the dweller is exempt from mezuzah.*
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The room should be no smaller than four cubits
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(about 6 x 6 feet).
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The entrance of the room should have two doorposts.
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The entrance should have a lintel.
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The room should have a roof.
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The entrance should have a door.*
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The entrance should be at least ten tefahim high (about 30 inches).
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The room should not serve a sacred purpose*
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The room should be designed for human dwelling.*
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The room should be a decent habitation.
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The room should be destined to be a permanent dwelling.*
*(Note: In the places marked with an asterisk, the custom has prevailed to place a mezuzah even if the condition isn't met--however one should not say the beracha "...who has sanctified us with his commandments...")
Where is the Mezuzah placed?
The mezuzah is affixed in the doorway, within a handbreadth (about 3 inches) from the outside, in the beginning of the upper third portion the doorpost's height.
Even if it is fixed higher, the mezuzah is fit, providing it is fixed a handbreadth from the lintel.
The mezuzah should be fixed on the right side of the entrance of the room. If it is fixed on the left side, it is unfit.
How is the Mezuzah Folded?
The mezuzah is prepared to be fixed to the doorpost by rolling it from the end to the beginning. (Since Hebrew is read right to left, so the scroll is rolled from the left side) When a reader opens it, he will be able to read from the beginning of the line to the end. After rolling, the scroll is placed in a tube (mezuzah case) of bamboo or other material and nailed to the doorpost. Some carve out a hollow space in the doorpost and place the mezuzah in it.
Blessing on the Mezuzah
Before affixing the mezuzah to one's doorpost, one should bless:
 Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam Thou are blessed our God, Lord of the world |
 asher keedishanu b'meetzvotav v'tzeevanu leek'boa mezuzah who has sanctified us with thy mitzvoth and commanded us to set a mezuzah. |