Upon Thy Gates: Reception + Marking Passages Launch

Join the Jewish Museum of Maryland for an afternoon celebrating the opening of Upon Thy Gates, an exhibition presenting mezuzahs from around the world featured in the Elaine K. and Norman Winik Mezuzah Collection together with a selection of mezuzahs from JMM’s own collections. Learn how you can participate in Marking Passages: Mezuzah-Inspired Stories, JMM’s new production studio project in partnership with The Stoop, a live storytelling series and WYPR podcast.

Placing a mezuzah on a doorpost is among the most ancient of Jewish traditions. Each ritual case holds a scroll inscribed with the Shema prayer. Mezuzahs are considered amuletic by many and signal that the structure they adorn holds a Jewish space. They mark departures and homecomings, and serve as touchstones for reflection along personal journeys.

Elaine K. and Norman Winik collected mezuzahs throughout their travels to many Jewish communities. The exhibition Upon Thy Gates, on loan from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, and curated by Kenneth Helphand, highlights 73 of these mezuzahs showcasing an eclectic range of styles, materials and Jewish symbols found in mezuzahs, including from Denmark, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Holland, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Poland, the United States, and Yemen. The mezuzahs date from the late 18th century to the work of contemporary artists.

This exhibition was produced by the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

In connection to the exhibition, JMM is delighted to launch Marking Passages: Mezuzah-Inspired Stories, a new JMM production studio project in partnership with The Stoop, named for the Baltimore tradition of sharing stories on the signature marble entryway steps across the City. The Museum invites participants to share a story inspired by what mezuzahs evoke for you! Select stories from this storytelling project collecting initiative will be presented at a culminating live event at the Museum in Spring 2026.

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the exhibition in JMM’s new Long Gallery, learn about the Maryland mezuzahs from the Museum’s Collections, and find out how to submit their personal stories in connection to mezuzahs. Plus, visit the Museum’s recently opened audio/visual production studio, and take home a copy of Mezuzah Magic!, a comic strip about mezuzahs created by JMM Public Art Coordinator Naomi Rose Weintraub.

Kosher refreshments will be served.

Admission to this program is free with admission to the Museum.

Accessibility: The Museum building, including the family and all-gender single-stall bathroom, is wheelchair accessible. Masks are welcome but not required. Complimentary masks will be available for anyone who would like one. Noise-reducing headphones and earplugs are available upon request at the front desk. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided–please reach out if there are additional accessibility supports that you need.

Parking: There is street parking available in the neighborhood.

For questions, please contact info@jewishmuseummd.org or 410.732.6400.