Upon the Doorposts – An Intergenerational Exhibit of Mezuzot

This is a community-based exhibition focused on the Jewish ritual object, the mezuzah. The project was designed to be inclusive, using simple materials and inviting broad participation from both students , invited artists and members of the wider community.

The exhibit features approximately 100 pieces, with at least 75 remaining on display throughout the winter months.

Curator in Residence: Melanie Siegel

“And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your home and upon your gates.”

Deut. 6:4-9

A multi generational exhibit of Mezuzot

Schwartz Reisman Centre, 2nd floor Satellite gallery

The mezuzah, affixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home, is a timeless symbol of faith, protection, and belonging. Within its case lies a sacred scroll inscribed with the Shema, a blessing for the home and those who dwell within it. This small yet profound object marks a threshold—not just a physical doorway, but a spiritual and cultural connection across generations.

This exhibition is designed as an immersive, multi-generational experience that invites participation from diverse members of the community, including schools, local groups, and invited artists. Through the act of creating mezuzah covers, each participant contributes their unique artistic voice while engaging in a deeply rooted tradition. The covers serve as both protective casings for the sacred text and as expressions of personal and communal identity.

Participants will explore the mezuzah as more than a ritual object—it is a vessel for storytelling, memory, and shared heritage. Through various artistic media, including textiles, ceramics, wood, glass, and mixed media, this exhibition showcases the ways in which tradition can be reinterpreted and revitalized through contemporary creative practice.

By bringing together people of different backgrounds and generations, this exhibition becomes a living testament to the enduring power of tradition, art, and community. It transforms the mezuzah from a static object into an interactive experience—one that invites reflection, connection, and the reimagining of sacred spaces in today’s world.

Netivot Hatorah Day School

V!VA  Thornhill Woods

 The Toronto Heschel School

Tamim Academy of York Region

Reena in partnership with JCC inclusion services

Participating artists

Ian Leventhal

Rina Gottesman

Reesa Wasser

Rikki Blitt

Melanie Siegel

Barbara Nightingale