Rachel Berezin – MyZuzah
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Mezuzah Mission
For Rachel Berezin, CEO of MyZuzah, it is a symbol, a ritual that connects, protects and unites people across the globe.
By Debra Eckerling
In these challenging times, with antisemitism on the rise, pride in Jewish identity is more important than ever. And the mezuzah serves as a unifying factor.
For Rachel Berezin, CEO of MyZuzah, it is a symbol, a ritual that connects, protects, and unites people across the globe.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve just discovered you’re Jewish or if you already have mezuzahs on every doorpost of your home, the mezuzah is for everyone, regardless of denomination or politics,” she explains. “It’s a small object with a big message: a declaration of who you are on the inside, visible to the world on the outside.”
MyZuzah’s mission is to ensure that the Jewish people thrive for generations by placing a kosher, fair-trade mezuzah on the front door of every Jewish home worldwide.
Since 2018, MyZuzah has placed more than 22,000 mezuzahs in 74 countries, serving everyone from new parents and young professionals to Holocaust survivors, military families, and families rebuilding after trauma. Rachel explains that each mezuzah includes a kosher klaf, educational resources, and opportunities to join global virtual dedication events that strengthen Jewish identity and belonging.
Rachel came to MyZuzah with 18 years of leadership experience in the areas of fundraising, strategic development, team building, and engagement. Before joining MyZuzah, she was Director of Endowment for PJ Library, Vice President for Development at the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and Campaign Director at the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts.
She started her career with PJ Library when it was a pilot program in Western MA. Rachel was also on the national team that, working with local partners, established PJ Library in more than 75 North American communities.
What led her to MyZuzah was “the power of something so simple to unify people and inspire pride in Jewish identity,” she explains.
Through their 50K Campaign, MyZuzah aims to place 50,000 mezuzahs on the front doors of homes around the world.
“Through our Solidarity Mezuzah initiative, launched with Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton, allies and friends provide visible support that helps the Jewish community take pride in their identity while standing together with supportive allies, even amid rising antisemitism,” Rachel says. “One mezuzah at a time, we’re building pride, resilience, connection, and unity across the Jewish world.”
How has philanthropy enriched your life?
My father is a retired ophthalmologist, and nothing makes me more squeamish than a needle near an eye. He, in turn, is just as uncomfortable when people talk about money. In a funny way, we ended up with parallel callings. My dad spent his career helping people see their best vision, and I’ve spent mine helping people realize their vision: turning their deepest values into action through philanthropy. Both callings are about clarity, possibility, and seeing the world in new ways. Philanthropy has given me the joy of helping others live their values and bring light into the world, one act of generosity at a time.
When was the first time you participated in Tzedakah?
As a child, every Friday before Shabbat, I would put coins into the tzedakah box at school. From a young age, I learned that giving back is an important part of Jewish life and that no gift is too small to make a difference. That practice shaped my lifelong belief in the power of generosity. Can you share your first significant donation, whether of time or finances?
My first significant donation was to the Jewish Federation. I began volunteering there at nine years old, making phone calls for Super Sunday. Over time, I grew my career there, spending ten years on staff, and eventually gave my first major gift. The Federation’s mission, to support both our local Jewish community and Jewish people worldwide, resonated deeply because I had personally benefited from its work throughout my childhood. Supporting the Federation felt like a natural way to give back and live out the values that had shaped me from a young age.
What are simple ways anyone can give back or participate in Tikkun Olam?
Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) can feel overwhelming when you think about all the world’s problems. But it begins with small, simple acts: offering a smile to a stranger, picking up litter, showing kindness, or voting. From there, it can grow into volunteering with an organization, serving on a committee or board, donating to causes that matter to you, or sharing stories to raise awareness.
Repairing the world isn’t about solving everything at once; it’s about each of us doing our part to leave the world a little better than we found it. I’m often inspired by a quote shared by Miep Gies: “Even a regular secretary, a housewife, or a teenager can turn on a small light in a dark room.” It reminds me that every person has the power to bring light into the world.
Who inspires you?
My greatest inspiration comes from my family. My grandparents were married for more than 60 years, and at their 60th anniversary, they looked out at their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and said, “Look what we did. “That moment captured for me what true wealth really is: love, family, and legacy.
My parents instilled in my siblings and me the importance of giving back, and today, I am inspired every day by my own children; their bravery, passion, advocacy, and love of learning. They remind me constantly of the kind of world we’re all working to build.
What is your favorite Jewish meal?
Matzah ball soup, made with gluten-free matzah balls! I have a gluten allergy, but honestly, the gluten-free ones are lighter and fluffier anyway.
Anything you want to add?
At MyZuzah, we believe the mezuzah is more than a ritual. It’s a powerful symbol of Jewish identity, resilience, and connection. In a world that can feel divided, mezuzahs are a reminder of who we are, where we belong, and the unshakable pride we carry as a people.
To learn more, visit www.myzuzah.org.
