In Response To Rising Hate, Young Jewish Leaders Launch Global Mezuzah Campaign
On a warm sunny morning in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bianca Mintz a young Jewish hydrogeologist, walks purposefully down a bustling city street a small package in her hand: a Mezuzah. As she approaches a neighbor’s apartment, Mintz is on the front lines of a new global initiative aimed at combating hate through proud, public displays of Jewish identity.
Mintz is one of 50 young professional leaders part of the ScrollUp Mezuzah Ambassadors initiative, launched by Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) International at Merkos 302. The campaign, which kicked off with a virtual launch event attended by CYP Ambassadors worldwide, aims to empower young Jews to inspire others to affix mezuzahs on their doorposts, a powerful statement of resilience and pride.
“The mezuzah connects all of us, no matter where we are,” said Ravit Carmelli, a young professional and ambassador from Little Rock, AR. “In Arkansas, there aren’t a lot of Jewish people. But when we put up mezuzahs, it makes us feel connected as one big family. No matter where we are, it brings us closer together.”
The ScrollUp initiative comes at a critical juncture for the Jewish community. Recent incidents, such as the forcible removal of mezuzahs from dormitory doors at Harvard University, have heightened concerns about antisemitism on college campuses and beyond. In response, young Jews have committed to put up even more mezuzahs—a defiant gesture that epitomizes the spirit behind the ScrollUp campaign.
“Today, more than ever, we need everyone to play a leading role,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “To truly reverse the trend of hate and apathy we must enlist everyone to be a leader and inspire others. Our goal is to actualize the Rebbe’s vision of empowering the audience to be players and the receivers to be givers, creating a ripple effect of Jewish pride and activism when our community needs it most.”
Jonathon Ambar, the visionary donor behind the ScrollUp initiative, sees this campaign as a direct response to such challenges. “Antisemitism tries to make us scared and hide our Jewish identity,” Ambar states firmly. “But we, as a resilient nation, are supposed to do the opposite. Instead of hiding, we need to put up our mezuzahs proudly—not just on our doors, but on our neighbors’ doors too.”
The campaign’s approach is grassroots and personal. Young Jewish professionals like Ravit are tapped as ambassadors, equipped with the knowledge and resources to reach out to their communities. They don’t just deliver mezuzahs; they educate about their significance, bring in the local Chabad Rabbi for proper installation, and create a sense of community.
“Having a mezuzah in your home brings blessings and protection,” Ravit shares. “It makes you feel proud of who you are as a Jew, especially today, it’s a way to stay connected to our identity.”
The campaign kicked off with a virtual launch event that brought together ambassadors from Jewish communities around the world. Participants heard from experts like Rabbi Yehuda Pink, a mezuzah scribe from the UK who detailed the intricate process of creating these sacred scrolls. They also listened to personal stories of how the mezuzah has impacted lives, including a moving account from Mrs. Sandy Weinbaum about a “mezuzah miracle” that she experienced.
“From the first Farbrengen, the Rebbe stated the goal was not only to inspire others but to get those who you inspired to uplift their own circle of influence. That’s exactly what we’re seeing with ScrollUp,” explained Rabbi Yisroel Baumgarten, director of the CYP Ambassadors initiative at Merkos 302.
As the initiative gains momentum, its effects are already being felt in communities large and small. Ambassadors share their experiences on social media, creating a ripple effect of inspiration. Each mezuzah affixed becomes a visible symbol of Jewish pride, resilience and comfort.
The ScrollUp Mezuzah Ambassadors initiative is a movement of young Jews standing tall, reaching out, and scrolling up – one mezuzah at a time.
For more information on how you can participate visit, scrollupnow.com or email ambassadors@chabadyoung.com
Assistance in Bedekah
Is there any initiative to assist the elderly or medically difficult to get around to help them get their mezzuzos (perhaps even their Teffilin) checked in their homes ?
Would be a great addition to this campaign.
Thank you !