MyZuzah Launches Israel Pilot to Support Rebuilding Through Connection and Ritual

Emanuelle Hutman, MyZuzah israel pilot program lead

For many, a mezuzah is far more than a ritual object; it is a powerful threshold—a visible expression of identity, protection, and belonging for Jews around the world. Launched in late spring 2026, MyZuzah’s Israel Pilot is turning doorposts across communities throughout Israel into points of deep personal connection, reaching those rebuilding from recent trauma—injured soldiers, victims of October 7, widows and orphans, and individuals who have lost their homes or businesses in the wars with Iran. For them, the mezuzah becomes a tangible symbol of renewal, helping restore a sense of home, stability, and meaning when it is needed most.

“MyZuzah’s goal with the Israel Pilot is to elevate mezuzah installation beyond a single ritual moment, creating an opportunity for personal meaning and connection in whatever way resonates for each individual,” says MyZuzah Director of Strategic Partnerships Lori Hoch Stiefel. “We’re reaching people at pivotal times in their lives and offering something tangible that can serve as a symbol of rebuilding. It’s about bringing comfort, identity, and a renewed sense of stability to the very places people call home.”

The initiative combines broad community reach with a deeply personal approach. Under Lori’s guidance, program lead Emanuelle Hutman is implementing the three-month pilot, leveraging her experience in community impact and partnership-building to expand access across Israel. By collaborating with trusted local organizations to establish community-based programming and gatherings, the pilot creates accessible points of entry while ensuring that every outreach effort remains rooted in conversation and care. These initiative-driven encounters are designed to build meaningful human connection at scale.

By meeting people where they are, the pilot makes an ancient Jewish practice feel immediate, accessible, and relevant across diverse communities. In collaboration with local organizations, MyZuzah will gather insights and refine a model for future expansion. Ultimately, the Israel Pilot shows how stronger communities are built one threshold at a time, strengthening Jewish identity through simple, meaningful action.