Mezuzahs on Campus: New Initiative Sparks Jewish Pride and Unity at Universities Across North America

University of British Columbia student proudly displays a mezuzah on her front door

A new initiative is bringing a powerful symbol of Jewish identity to college campuses across the US and Canada: the mezuzah. MyZuzah, a partner of the Mayberg Foundation, has teamed up with Mezuz.us to distribute nearly 3,000 mezuzahs to Jewish students at universities nationwide, thanks to an anonymous six-figure donation. The program, which is beginning to distribute its first 500 mezuzahs as a pilot, aims to foster Jewish pride, visibility, and engagement at a time when many students are seeking both connection and security. “In today’s challenging environment on campus, distributing mezuzot allows me to empower Jewish students with a visible symbol of pride, safety, and continuity,” said Rabbi Chalom Loeub of University of British Columbia’s Chabad Jewish Student Centre. “It reminds them that their identity is sacred, that they are not alone, and that Judaism has a place here—confidently and unapologetically.”

The Lasting Impact of a Mezuzah

Rabbi Loeub's sentiment echoes a recent op-ed by MyZuzah founder and Mayberg Foundation President Manette Mayberg: “At MyZuzah, we know that placing a mezuzah on one’s doorpost is a demonstration of Jewish identity — and Jewish pride is a powerful defense against antisemitism... It’s connection — to our ancestors, to each other and to our faith. It’s protection — a daily reminder of who we are and why we endure. And it’s unity...”

Rachel Berezin, CEO of MyZuzah shared, “As MyZuzah continues to grow we are excited to work with Mezuz.us to make this important impact on college campuses.” She added, “Placing a mezuzah on campus is a powerful expression of Jewish pride and unity. It reminds students that they are performing a mitzvah and choosing to carry forward a tradition practiced for generations, connecting them to the global Jewish people.”

Creative Campus Outreach: Shlichim Empower Students

Rabbi Shua & Esti Hecht with jewish american university students

Campus shlichim (emissaries) are getting creative in their outreach efforts. At American University, Esti Hecht of Chabad AU is focusing on giving students the tools and confidence to express their Jewish identity proudly. “Especially in light of recent events, it’s important to empower students to be ‘loud and proud’ about their Judaism,” Hecht says. She plans to offer mezuzah case-decorating events, sofer demonstrations, and Mezuzah Days where groups of students can put up mezuzahs together. At Oregon State University, Chabad of Corvallis & OSU Co-Director Rabbi Menachem Angster describes his motivation for participating in this initiative: “I hope to strengthen Jewish continuity on campus and create spaces where students can experience meaning, belonging, and a living connection to Jewish tradition in a way that feels real and relevant.”

Rabbi menachem and danielle lessoff affix a mezuzah at vcu

To recruit participants, shlichim are turning to social media campaigns, personal outreach, and dynamic campus events. Some, like University of Montreal’s Rabbi Nathan Shlomo Bounan, are leveraging group challenges and photo sharing to spark a “buzz” among students, encouraging them to invite friends and build community through the act of putting up mezuzahs. Others plan workshops, educational sessions, and follow-up engagement to make the experience meaningful and lasting. As the initiative gets underway, MyZuzah will survey recipients to measure the impact of having a mezuzah in their college lives—hoping to not only provide a ritual object, but to spark a sense of belonging and Jewish pride that lasts long after graduation.

“A mezuzah carries special power on campus,” said Rabbi Menachem Lessoff, director of Jewish Life at VCU and CEO of Mezuz.us. “College is a formative moment in a young person’s life, where identity, values, and long-term choices are shaped. When a student chooses now to publicly affiliate with Judaism and place a mezuzah on their door, it’s rarely a one-time decision. That choice often carries forward, into their future homes, families, and communities.”

He added, “Through this joint effort between Mezuz.us and MyZuzah, we’re not just placing mezuzahs on dorm doors. We’re helping students make a lasting, proud connection to Jewish life at a moment that can define everything that comes after.”