Question: Is one obligated to perform the widespread custom of holding a “Chanukat Ha’Bayit” (housewarming ceremony) with ten men who read selected sections of Mishnah and Zohar?
Answer: The prevalent Jewish custom of holding a Chanukat Ha’Bayit is not obligatory in terms of Halacha, for our Sages have not recorded such an obligation anywhere in the Talmud. This is merely a fine custom which is observed among the Jewish nation and the Poskim state several reasons for this custom.
The main idea behind this custom can be found in the holy Zohar (Parashat Tazria) which states explicitly that when one builds (or buys) a home, when one enters the home one must verbally exclaim that one is building the home for the service of Hashem, as the verse states (Yirmiyah 22), “Woe unto one who builds his home without righteousness and his chambers by injustice; one who uses his friend’s services without wages and has not given him his hire.” If one does so and verbally exclaims that one is building the house for the service of Hashem, Heavenly assistance will rest on the house, Hashem will rest his sanctity upon the house, and he will call “Peace” upon it, as the verse states (Iyov 5), “And you shall know that your tent is in peace.” If one does not do so, one is (G-d-forbid) inviting the powers of impurity into one’s home.
It is therefore customary to recite portions of the Mishnah and Zohar who order was established by the great Mekubalim to be studied at the Chanukat Ha’Bayit; as a result of the words of Torah being said as the house’s inhabitants move into it, this portrays that the house was built for the service of Hashem and a spirit of sanctity and purity rests on the house and Hashem rests his presence upon the home and its occupants and blesses them with peace.
It is customary to serve a meal at the Chanukat Ha’Bayit, for the Radak writes in his Sefer Ha’Shorashim that the initial inauguration of the house is brought about through eating, for this is the first act performed in the house as its residents. It is therefore customary to recite the words of Torah and then to serve some food to those present such as some cake or a full bread meal.
Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l would not be meticulous to specifically recite the selected portions of Mishnah and Zohar at his Chanukat Ha’Bayit ceremonies as many customarily do, for the main point is conversing in words of Torah. Indeed, he did so several times in his life and he would speak some Torah thoughts, sing some songs of praise to Hashem, and would thus fulfill the custom of performing a Chanukat Ha’Bayit. This is how he had instructed us that the main focus of the Chanukat Ha’Bayit is amid words of Torah and not specifically with the passages of Mishnah and Zohar as is customary.
This is especially true if those present do not understand the words of the Mishnah and Zohar; it is certainly better in such a situation to speak Torah thoughts that will be understood by everyone and to bring the merit of the Mitzvah of Torah study to all the guests. In this way, Hashem shall rest his presence on the residents of the house and bless them with peace.
Maran zt”l likewise instructed us that it is correct to perform the Chanukat Ha’Bayit even in a rented home or apartment and not only in a purchased home. The Sefer Yalkut Yosef (Sova Semachot, Volume 1, page 278) quotes Hagaon Harav Mordechai Sharabi zt”l and other great Mekubalim as ruling likewise.
