Moving into a new house is both an exciting and anxious time.  We all hope, of course, that this structure will not just be our house - but our home.  Judaism helps us create a home by giving us rituals and symbols that help us sanctify the space in which we live and mark it as uniquely Jewish.

These rituals and symbols are celebrated through a chanukat habayit or dedication of the home. 

A chanukat habayit doesn’t have a fixed liturgy.  But the affixing of the mezuzah is most often the centerpiece of the celebration.  Click below to learn more about affixing a mezuzah.

Here are some more ideas for your chanukat habayit from www.torahinspirations.com.

• Before you fix your mezuzah you can ask everyone to take a moment to silently meditate upon the blessings they wish for this home
  
• You can sing Hineh ma tov u'manayim, shevet achim gam yachad. 'How very good is to be when brothers (siblings) dwell together' or another song based on meaningful Jewish text.
  
• You can prepare a light meal which will include bread dipped in various symbolic condiments, alone or in combinations: salt (symbolizing a life of holiness) oil (sustenance) or honey (sweetness)
  
• You can invite guests to share their blessings for your new home.
  
• A really fun activity: prepare a wall in your house, and paints.  Invite your guests to write blessings on the wall, or you can write your blessings and hopes for yourself.
  
• Prepare a program for your guests explaining what the concept of Chanukat Habayit means to you.  You can include some meaningful Jewish prayers and texts.
  

Click here for a sample celebration.