SHJ Board Member, James McDevitt-Phelps, has created a list of fun activities related to Jewish tradition and holiday celebrations that we’re excited to share with you! Enjoy this activity with your family, a friend, or for some quiet alone time! These activities are appropriate for all ages and craft skill levels.
While the word mezuzah literally means doorpost, it has come to refer to the parchment inscribed with Torah verses traditionally placed on the doorposts of a home (or to the case in which this parchment is stored). While Humanistic Jews don’t feel bound to put up mezuzot, halachically compliant or otherwise, some have found it meaningful to make and put up Humanistic versions in their home.
When making your own Humanistic mezuzah there are two elements to consider: your “scroll” and your case. Humanistic Jews sometimes hang empty mezuzah cases, but others create their own scrolls with messages they find more meaningful than the traditional verses from the Torah, such as Humanistic versions of the Sh’ma and V’ahavta, lyrics to Ayfo Ori, or meaningful quotes or poems. You can download and print SHJ’s humanistic scroll here!
As for the case, there are many options here, as well. There are many beautiful mezuzah cases commercially available, or you might already have a case you’d like to use. You can also make your own, either by decorating an unfinished case (available from some online Judaica and Hebrew school supply companies) or by crafting one from clay, wood, epoxy, Legos, or even empty glue sticks or markers. Most of these items can be found at your local craft store, thrift shop, or even in the back of your storage closet!
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