Mezuzot

Mezuzot

What is it about these little containers that draws us so magnetically? The idea of some sort of amulet, a container for our aspirations.... is almost universal. Our need is undeniable for something which will help elevate our lives, our homes, to some higher level. Many cultures put a prayer inside a pocket. Our culture uses the pocket to remind us of G-d's divinity, and to encourage us to 'make something' of our own comings and goings. The mezuzah inspires us to be a little better, do a little more, aim a little higher.

Jewish artists are naturally drawn to the mezuzah casing as an outlet for their creativity. Here we place our loftiest attempts at beauty, meaning, and inspiration. This is an object to be seen and touched by many people, for many years. It must be worthy of their attention, and also of its sacred contents.

My religious background directed my passion for beadwork inexorably to the mezuzah. It is hard, painstaking work, constructed one tiny bead at a time. Getting started can be daunting. It takes between 10 and 20 hours to create one mezuzah casing. (It can take up to 10 additional hours to perfect the design, before beginning the actual beadwork.) But once the beadwork has begun, it is remarkably peaceful work, and very gratifying when completed.

These mezuzah casings are beaded tightly around a plastic tube, with a tight-fitting stopper which can be opened to insert the Klaf. As you can see from the uniformity in the photos, I use only the finest quality glass beads. Please note that these mezuzot are intended for INDOOR use only. The thread used in the beadwork is not designed to withstand the outdoor elements.

I do all my own work and do not sub-contract any of it to others, or use other people's designs. Each of my mezuzot is an idividual work of art, and a sacred offering. I provide a photocopy of the 'klaf' -- the scripture which goes inside. For some this is adequate, but it does not fulfill traditional requirements. I do recommend that you replace it with a 'kosher' hand-written klaf, which can be purchased at most Jewish gift shops or book shops. It should cost around $20.

Virtually all of my mezuzah casings are custom-made to your order. The pictures here are samples of pieces I have done in the past. The price depends solely on the size of the casing and the size of the beads. Smaller beads are needed to create a more complex image, and they take much more time.

If you would like to order a mezuzah casing, please contact me and we can discuss what you would like. We could do something similar to the pictures here, or design something totally unique for you.

Since these pieces take a lot of labor, please allow ample time to have your order filled. Depending on how many orders are ahead of yours, it could take a month or more.

One more note... some people have requested mezuzot for non-Jewish homes, so I consulted with my Rabbi about this. I will be happy to create a beautiful casing for you with no Jewish symbols, without the Hebrew scripture, and you can place inside any prayer or sentiment you wish. Technically this is not a mezuzah, but it will function similarly, and there will be no religious conflict.

1. Price Information

2. Design Guidelines

3. Contact information

.. ..Please note that these mezuzot are intended for INDOOR use only.
The thread used in the beadwork is not designed to withstand the outdoor elements.

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..All artworks and their images are protected by copyright law and common decency.
Unauthorized duplication is forbidden.

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