For jewelry and Judaica designer Emily Rosenfeld, the enjoyment her customers find in her work is just as important to her as the work itself. The former St. Louisan, now living and working in Florence, Mass., has been creating her art for more than three decades. Her designs blend traditional Jewish symbols with contemporary aesthetics.

“I was born in U. City, lived at first in Creve Coeur where my grandparents lived, and went to school in Webster Groves,” said Rosenfeld. “I grew up feeling very Jewish and there’s a big Jewish community in St. Louis and my grandparents were a part of that.”

Rosenfeld’s family moved to California in 1976. After living on both coasts, she found her calling in making jewelry. She says her first work was “representational” of her customers, featuring lots of hearts and flowers and things people could identify and relate to.

“But my customers, many of whom were Jewish, were asking me for Stars of David and chais,” remembered Rosenfeld. “I started making those things and people responded very quickly and enthusiastically, which made me want to make more of it because I see jewelry as sort of like a Talisman, an adornment with power. We show who we are through what we wear and what more meaning can there be than having what you wear relate to your beliefs?”

Her collection grew to feature a diverse array of items from Shabbat candlesticks to kiddush cups, yads and menorahs, each crafted to evoke a sense of joy and spiritual connection. But it’s the mezuzah, which holds special meaning for Rosenfeld.

Rediscovering the mezuzah

A mezuzah consists of a small parchment scroll bearing sacred Hebrew verses from the Torah, specifically Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. Encased within a decorative holder, it is commonly mounted on doorposts (mezuzot) of Jewish households. This cherished item symbolizes faith and acts as a poignant reminder of Jewish heritage and identity.

“People adorn their homes with them,” said Rosenfeld. “They’re accessible. People feel good giving them and receiving them. Parents buy them for their children’s first houses. There are lots of rituals surrounding the home.”

It was this special connection that filled a creative niche for Rosenfeld who says she loves connecting with this important part of Jewish life by creating something new and contemporary.

“It was like having a renaissance. I love the idea of what the mezuzah means and the shapes I could come up with,” said Rosenfeld. “What a beautiful thing to have this piece of tradition that connects you to your faith, to G-d, to your home. That’s very powerful.”