This story is the first in what we hope will be an ongoing series, The Mezuzahs of St. Louis. Our goal is to share the stories behind the mezuzahs that bless our homes, institutions, and gathering places—and to invite you to join in the storytelling. Together, we’ll journey through the doorways of our community, one mezuzah at a time. Send suggestions to Jordan Palmer at [email protected].
A blessing at every doorway
If you’ve walked through the Jewish Community Center’s main campus, you’ve probably passed by them, mezuzahs quietly marking the doorways of spaces where Jewish life unfolds. A mezuzah is a small box fixed to the right doorpost of Jewish homes and communal buildings. Inside is a handwritten scroll with verses from the Torah, including the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13–21). The Torah commands: “And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
The case itself can be simple or ornate, often marked with the Hebrew letter shin, for Shaddai, one of God’s names. But a mezuzah is more than décor. It’s a quiet reminder, a touchpoint, a way to bless the space we’re stepping into, whether it’s home, work, or community.
From a family idea to a lasting presence
For Jewish St. Louisan Cindy Lander Wallach, mezuzahs are both art and memory. When the JCC underwent a major renovation back in 2007, her family was asked how they’d like to be part of the expansion. “The JCC is such a special place where we’ve shared wonderful memories,” said Lander Wallach, a 2017 Jewish Light Unsung Hero. “When we were asked about our interests in supporting the expansion and renovation, mezuzahs immediately came to mind.”
When the new mezuzahs were installed, there were four—one at the front door of each of the two buildings, and two more near the main locker rooms. Small in number, but placed where community life flows every day. “In addition to the beautiful and meaningful prayers inside of the mezuzahs, they are unique works of art,” Lander Wallach said.
Her choice made the J’s thresholds more than just doorways—they became small moments of intention. That vision continues to shape the J’s approach to sacred space. As Rabbi Brad Horwitz, the J’s Chief Engagement Officer, put it: “Our vision was to create mezuzzot that reflect both the timelessness of Jewish tradition and the unique character of our community. The mezuzah is a powerful reminder of our values every time we pass through a doorway. Just as the Torah is known as the Tree of Life, sustaining the Jewish people, so too does the JCC play an important role in sustaining our Jewish community.”
Expanding the blessing to Crown Center
Lander Wallach’s vision stretched beyond the JCC. She also helped bring mezuzahs to Crown Center, the senior living and community hub where so many gather. “The mezuzahs are a beautiful reminder of the sacredness of warm, inclusive spaces and caring for one another as we age,” said Randi Schenberg, Crown Center’s Community Relations Director. “It’s a reminder that we are more than just a building, we are a collection of homes and interwoven lives and traditions. These spaces are meant to celebrate one another and our histories.”
When Crown Center opened its new Phase 1 building and Staenberg Commons, mezuzahs were part of the dedication ceremony. “We brought together community as we hung the mezuzahs,” Schenberg said. “Our mission includes ‘honoring Jewish traditions,’ which guides us in the work we do, not just for our residents but for those we serve through our kosher meals on wheels program and programming.”
What Lander Wallach loves most is the idea of mezuzahs as blessings you can touch. “They serve as constant and tangible blessings to the spaces where people live, work and play,” she said. She hopes the blessing continues for generations to come. “Mezuzahs reflect Jewish identity, history and continuity, connecting people to their heritage. I hope the blessings continue to be meaningful and spiritual to everyone, as well as the appreciation of these unique and beautiful pieces of art.”
And she’s not done yet. Lander Wallach said her family is interested in exploring opportunities for more mezuzahs across St. Louis—a continuation of the quiet blessings that have already found their way onto so many doorways.
