For artist David Alper, every creation begins with a vision that merges tradition and innovation. On this February morning inside his garage studio in his Olivette home, it’s cold. The glow of his oxygen-propane torch reflects off his protective glasses as he carefully rotates a glass tube in the flame. The flame shifts from a soft blue to an intense white-hot heat.

“You control the temperature and intensity by adding or removing oxygen,” he explains, adjusting the knobs on his lampworking torch. As the glass heats, a yellow flare flickers—filtered out by his specialized glasses but still visible to the naked eye.

He is making a mezuzah.

Elevating Judaica

With Doorpost Glass Designs, Alper transforms the mezuzah into an art form. Each piece is individually designed and hand-blown from borosilicate glass, a material prized for its durability and clarity. His craftsmanship incorporates subtle design elements, such as sandblasted Hamsas or Shins that reveal the scroll within.

“A mezuzah is a sacred Jewish object placed on the doorpost of a home to bless and sanctify the living space,” said Alper. “Each of our mezuzahs is individually designed and created from hand-blown borosilicate glass.”

His designs, like the “Hamsa with Lilac” and “Shin with Amber”, balance elegance and function, arriving ready to install with high-grade adhesives. Customers can even opt for a Kosher scroll, further personalizing their piece.

Judaism has always been a meaningful part of Alper’s life, which is why he chose to focus on Judaica.

“I have always created and gifted mezuzot to friends and family,” he says. “In recent years, more and more people have asked me about where and how to purchase them, and the timing seemed right.”

Mastering the art of flameworking

Glassblowing requires both artistic vision and precision. Alper’s studio is filled with different torches, each used for specific functions, from broad applications to intricate details.

“This torch can scale its flame from tiny needle flames for delicate work to larger, more intense flames for structural shaping.”

He demonstrates by introducing a transparent blue glass rod into the fire. “I have to wait for the heat to soak in evenly,” he says. If it’s not done just right, the glass could shatter instantly. By turning the piece constantly, he ensures it stays balanced.

“You’ll notice I’m constantly rotating it—that keeps it on center.”

Watching Alper work is a mesmerizing experience. With each movement, the glass transforms, flowing like molten honey before solidifying into its final form. He expertly sections off a piece, methodically shaping the tube where the mezuzah scroll will be placed.

“Now, I’m opening up the end to create space for the parchment,” he explains, using a specialized tool to refine the shape.

From tradition to innovation

Alper’s roots in the Jewish community deepen the significance of his work. As a member of Congregation Temple Israel, his creations reflect both personal and communal values. Whether crafting a mezuzah for a doorpost or a standalone glass sculpture, Alper’s pieces resonate with intention and artistry.

His favorite piece is the royal blue mezuzah with a clear glass cage.

“I love the design and the challenge it takes to create the clear glass cage,” he says. “The finished piece makes a beautiful, memorable gift.”

Looking ahead, Alper is working on mezuzot designs for the new JCC Fox expansion.

“In the coming weeks, we will be adding new products to the Doorpost Glass site, including yads for mitzvahs and a wedding gift that includes a colored glass ball to break at the ceremony and a mezuzah to fill with the shards as a lasting keepsake,” he shares.

The Finished Mezuzah: A symbol of art and faith

As he holds up the finished piece, the light catches the design, revealing the sandblasted Hamsa etched into the glass.

“This is the finished mezuzah,” Alper says, a note of satisfaction in his voice. “I love the transparency—you can see the scroll through the case.”

With Doorpost Glass Designs gaining traction, Alper is eager to expand his offerings and collaborate on larger projects.

“The mezuzahs are just the beginning,” he says. “I hope to continue merging tradition and innovation in ways that inspire and connect people.”

David Alper’s dual artistic worlds invite us to see glass not just as a medium but as a means of storytelling. Through his work, he reminds us that art can sanctify, celebrate, and challenge—all at the same time.