Checking Mezuzot

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Dear Rabbi Simon,
I have heard that mezuzos should be checked twice every 7 years.  I’m certainly happy to do that if it is required.  But just wanted to check – because it seems to me that at least for those that are inside of the house, if they are correctly written then they should pretty much stay that way for quite a bit longer than 3.5 years?
Thanks
Saul

Dear Saul
Thank you for your practical question.
The Shulchan Aruch stipulates twice in 7 years, ie every 3 or 4 years. Some check them during Adar II as a simple way of maintaining this rhythm.
However, as you suggest, there are authorities who maintain that an indoor mezuzah, protected from the elements, may be presumed to maintain its integrity for much longer. Of course, one should be sure to acquire good quality mezuzot from a reliable source in the first place. This can be expensive, but the investment is a good one.
Best wishes
Rabbi Rashi Simon

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Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach
Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Tzippy
***
Dear Tzippy,
In line with other American authorities, I am in favour of quinoa. Although I reject completely the voices (mostly from Israel) seeking to abolish the ban on kitniyot entirely, IMO we do not need to include in the prohibition pseudo-grains that were unknown in the Old World until modern times. Best to buy with a Pesach hechsher though, to be free of any possible wheat contamination.
Rabbi Rashi Simon
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