A mezuzah is a small case that contains a handwritten scroll with verses from the Torah, including the Shema. For thousands of years, Jews have placed these small cases on their doorways. A mezuzah can serve as a reminder that your home is a sacred space. Read more about the Mezuzah here. 

Try creating your own mezuzah case to add a personal touch. The process of creating it can be a meaningful ritual, allowing you to get into the flow of crafting while infusing the piece with your own energy and intention. Every time you leave or return home, you’ll be reminded that you’ve chosen to invite a form of Jewish joy into your space.

Choose your material: You can use a small wooden box or an empty cardboard roll (like from a paper towel). If you are using a cardboard roll, simply cut it to about 3-4 inches tall. This will be the shape of your mezuzah case.

Base coat: Pick a color to paint the entire case. Popular choices include blue (representing heaven), white (purity), or gold (symbolizing divinity). 

Making the scroll (optional): An essential part of the mezuzah is the scroll placed inside. If you don’t have access to a kosher mezuzah scroll, or if that isn’t meaningful to you, you can make one yourself. Take a small piece of paper, about 2 inches wide and 3 inches tall. Write your own blessing for your home on it, or include the traditional Shema prayer on it:

"Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad"

(Hear, O Israel, the Eternal our God, the Eternal is One).

Roll the paper tightly, and secure it with a small piece of tape.

Attach your mezuzah to the right side of the door as one enters the room, about a third of the way down from the top of the doorpost. Ashkenazi Jews, who trace their heritage to Eastern Europe, traditionally angle the mezuzah with the top tilted inward toward the interior of the house or room, while Sephardi Jews, who hail from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, typically place the mezuzah in a vertical position. Every time you pass by, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment of reflection and gratitude and to feel protected when you walk into the house or a new room within the house. Some Jews like to touch the mezuzah and kiss their hand each time they pass by.

Sometimes the world just feels too heavy to fight. During these moments, it’s okay to take a break. If your heart isn’t in it some days–give yourself the rest you need to stay strong and resilient. Taking care of yourself first is key to being able to care for others. 

When you’re ready to pick up your social justice practice again, the collection of words and songs on the next few pages can help fill you with inspiration, motivation, and the urge to once again fight for the causes and issues you care about. After all, the world won’t change unless we change it. 

As you listen to and read through the words on the pages that follow, consider writing down your own thoughts and reflections. Does anything stand out to you? Do any of these words make your tummy flip or your heart ache? How does your body feel while you read these poems and listen to these songs? Do you feel an urge to fight, or help? Take note of what resonates, and use it as an inspiration and guide as you continue on this journey.

As your day winds down and the world quiets, it’s a beautiful moment to reflect and release before you rest. The Shema is one of the most powerful prayers in Judaism, a declaration of oneness and peace, taken from the Torah, and is traditionally recited as a bedtime prayer. But you don’t have to stick strictly to the words, it can also be a deeply personal ritual that helps you reflect on your day, release what no longer serves you, and invite peace for the night ahead.

Set the Space:

Find a cozy space—maybe your bed, a quiet corner, or anywhere you feel at ease. Light a candle or incense if you like. Take a few slow, deep breaths, allowing yourself to soften into the present moment. Feel your body sinking into the surface beneath you, and let go of any tension you’ve been holding.

Recite Your Own Shema:

Begin with the Shema, or feel free to adapt it into something more personal. The verse from the Torah is: 

Hebrew:

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל, אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ, אֲדֹנָי אֶחָד.

Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.

Translation: "Hear, O Israel, the Eternal is our God, the Eternal is One."

This prayer can be a powerful reminder of unity and connection, and if you’re comfortable with it, recite it slowly, letting each word settle in. Feel the rhythm, the stillness, and the affirmation of oneness.

If you want to make it your own, you can modify it. For example:

"Hear, O soul, the universe is one. I am one with myself, with those I love, and with the world around me."

Take a moment to breathe deeply after each phrase, allowing it to settle into your being. If there were moments today that felt challenging, use this space to acknowledge them, and then release them.

Reflect on the Day:

After your Shema, spend a few moments reflecting on your day. Ask yourself:

• What brought me joy today?
• Where did I feel connected to others or to the earth?
• What am I grateful for?
• What do I need to release before I sleep?

You may want to jot down your thoughts in a journal, as a stream-of-consciousness reflection, or as a few notes on what stood out to you.

Close with Peace:

As you finish writing or reflecting, bring your hands to your heart or place them gently on your body. Imagine yourself surrounded by light, peace, and protection. Take one final deep breath in and exhale slowly, feeling the release of the day. Allow the calm to wash over you, knowing you’ve created a sacred space for rest and renewal.