Rachel Kranzberg

Rachel Kranzberg Miller claims that she has discovered a revolutionary fine silver material called Precious Metal Clay or PMC.  Is this possible? Is this accurate? She is a metal artist who was named a finalist for the Niche Award, a national honor celebrating excellence and innovation in
American and Canadian fine crafts. The Mizel Jewish Museum in Denver, Colorado, showcases her brownstone Silver Mezuzah as part of their permanent collection.

Metal clay is a crafting medium consisting of very tiny particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze, or copper mixed with an organic binder and water.  It is used for making jewelry, beads, and small sculptures.  After shaping the desired, soft, clay-like object by hand or using molds, it dries and can be fired in a kiln, with a handheld gas torch, or even on a gas stove.  When the binder burns away, the metal remains. (albeit with some shrinkage). Read more »

Girls Mezuzah

Father Ray Suriani recently delivered a sermon entitled, ‘Keeping our spiritual mezuzahs straight.’ Yes, you probably can already sniff out that something just isn’t going to be kosher.  On November 4^th in a church in Westerly, Rhode Island, he told about how one of his congregants pointed out that the steeple of their church became crooked as a result of hurricane Sandy.

So the preacher, in his homily, asked his flock, (and this is not the lead- in to a joke) “Is your mezuzah crooked like the cross on top of our church?” Read more »

Synagogue in Corona Queens

On October 24^th, the Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Corona, Queens officially rededicated the century old house of worship. Constructed in 1911, this stately building was made from wood, which over the course of time rotted and disintegrated.

Funding for the project took a decade, and restoration of the exterior took two years, but resulted in its obtaining a spot on the Register of Historic Places and is dedicated as a New York City Landmark.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall received a gift of a replica of the restored synagogue, including a mezuzah on its doors, because of her assistance in securing the funding.  She said that this rededication has been a long time coming and, “I rejoice in this miracle in this new façade with my Jewish brothers and sisters.” Read more »

No More Excuses

The West Seattle Torah Learning Center in the state of Washington is planning to host ‘Mezuzah Day’ on Sunday, November 11th. Rabbi Yehuda Greer, the reigning spiritual leader of the congregation, will make a “house call” to your home or apartment if you need a mezuzah for your entranceway. The mezuzah is free. The Rabbi is free. In addition, he will assist you in reciting the appropriate blessings, show you how to affix it, or even do it for you. Read more »

An amulet collection spanning 8,000 years is up for auction in Tel Aviv this Tuesday at Ben-Ami Endres Auctions, brought to you by collector Lenny Wolfe. If you’re in the market, the artifacts range in price from $25 to $5,000.

An amulet collection spanning 8,000 years

The throat bone of a wolf that was used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to protect its owner against the dangers of a cough will be one of 350 amulets, charms, and talismans going on the block. No doubt there will be quite a few other amazing wonders.

Well, what is an amulet anyway?

An amulet, according to the dictionary, can be any object, but its most important characteristic is its alleged power to protect its owner from danger or harm. Gems, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, incantations, etc. would qualify.

Mr. Wolfe was asked if mezuzahs would be considered amulets.  He answered, “Some say yes because the mezuzot are for protection, but some say no, because as soon as it’s part of the official, established religion, like tefillin, it can’t be an amulet.” Amulets belong to folk religion.”

So, how would you weigh in?

Miami Heat Mezuzah

It could be a thoughtful gift for Dad, a brother, student, or even a sports minded kid, but if you are a Miami Heat basketball fan you’ll need one for yourself. The distinctive logo colors of black, white, and touch of yellow flame topping off a red basketball sunk down through the hoop reveals a serious sports fan even from distance. It is crafted in long- lasting metal, 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Buy your Miami Heat mezuzah before the season starts to avoid a backorder!

LA Lakers Mezuzah

Enthusiastic Los Angeles Lakers fans will be the new pacesetters on the block with the true- to-life colors of the team’s insignia embossed on an authentic LA Lakers mezuzah. It is crafted of sturdy metal, 4 inches in length and 1 inch in width. It is classic, tasteful, and readily identifies the dedicated sports fan in you, and you will enjoy it often, while both coming and going!

World’s largest Jewish centre opens in Ukraine

The Menorah- Chabad Jewish Center is the largest and most elaborate Chabad House built to date. The edifice was dedicated today by Mr. Gennandy Bogolubov, the President of the Dnepropetrovsk Jewish Community.

The mezuzah for the banquet hall was affixed in a ceremony by the Chief Rabbi of Russia and Chabad Shliach to Moscow, Rabbi Berel Lazar, a personal friend of the Chabad Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Dnepropetrovsk, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky. Read more »