For years, whenever I passed through a door I gently kissed the tip of my fingers and passed it on to a little box on the doorpost. Inside this little box, known as the mezuzah, is the shema, one of the most important passages of Judaism. In my religion the mezuzah is a symbol of Jewish identity and spiritual protection. Throughout my life, almost every important place had a mezuzah in each doorpost: my home, my bedroom, my camp, my grandparents home, my synagogue.
My small green mezuzah decorated with delicate flowers and vines rested in the doorpost to each bedroom I’ve ever had. When my Grandpa first hung it up for me he put it low so I could reach it, and as I grew taller he raised it accordingly. Having it around helps me feel safe and protected, and provides a reminder of my growth and identity. 
The mezuzah has served this purpose in my family for generations. My mom’s home in New Jersey always had one on each door, and my father’s family in Iran also had one in their door post. When the revolution started in Iran and it was dangerous for my father to be a Jew, the mezuzah kept our family protected and brought together the community, as noticing one in someone’s doorpost was a sign you could trust them. The mezuzah tells a story of faith and unity within a community throughout generations and across countries.

– I

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant