Create Your Own Mezuzah

To create mezuzahs that will remind the children of the Shema

The children will be able to express an understanding of the first commandment

• Small cardboard boxes (for example, jewelry or perfume boxes)?one for each child
• Gold or silver wrapping paper
• Small pieces of construction paper
• Tape and glue
• Scissors
• Markers

Explain that a mezuzah is a small container that holds a copy of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Tell the children that when Jewish people pass through a doorway that has a mezuzah attached to it, it is customary for them to devoutly kiss their fingers, touch the mezuzah, and silently pray the Shema that is contained in it.

Distribute small cardboard boxes to the children.

Instruct the children to copy the Shema (from the Bible) on a small slip of paper and to place it carefully in their boxes.

Tell the children to wrap their boxes in gold or silver wrapping paper and then decorate the outside of the boxes with drawings of Jewish religious symbols (for example, the Star of David, stone tablets, a menorah, and so on).

Encourage the children to take their mezuzahs home and attach them in some safe way to the door frame of their bedrooms.

Art/Space Smart, Word Smart

If there are children in your group with special needs (physical, visual, hearing, language, or behavioral disabilities), adapt the activity accordingly.