Mezuzah on a Horizontal Door?

by Aaron Shaffier December 22, 2008

Here is a question that I got recently in the email:

My first floor ceiling now has a horizontal opening say .8 metres by .8 metres with a hatch bordered by a frame. When the hatch is opened you can grab the loft ladder and access the loft. Does the hatch need a mezuzzah. Can you place a mezuzah on the horizontal.

Here's my answer:

Dear Sir, Any door that is horizontal is exempt from a Mezuzah.  In fact I have the same kind of hatch in my home here in Israel. 

Be well, 

Aaron Shaffier MezuzahStore.com