The search for a mezuzah to wear to the Emmys is on. Let’s call it Operation Motzi Mezuzah, shall we? Last we spoke, stylist Alison Kahn was beginning a search for a jewelry designer to craft a mezuzah that is red carpet appropriate and, as Ali might put it, “fabulous,” “awesome,” and “aMAzing,” because stylists use those kinds of words a lot.
Ali works with a set of jewelry designers and manufacturers collectively known as North American Jewelers, Inc. She also works with the The Palladium Alliance since she likes that metal because it’s a luxurious precious metal that is hypoallergenic, so it is sensitive to your skin…and best yet, it is lightweight. We had a conference call, all four of us: Ali, me, Heather Tucholski from The Palladium Alliance, and the CFO of North American Jewelers, Martin “Marty” Weinberger. That’s right, folks. Marty’s Jewish. Marty knows what a mezuzah is. Marty’s got the skills to make Operation Motzi Mezuzah happen. Go, Marty, go!
The conference call was about 20 minutes long, heymish (cozy, warm), and very positive. It included me and Marty making several, “Oh, how the bubbies will kvell” jokes. Four days later, Marty and his team of designers sent about a dozen ink and paper sketches of possible mezuzah pendants. Here is a composite collage of some of those sketches.
Each of the sketches was beautiful, and each could have worked, but we chose the one which we felt to be the most unique, the most red carpet appealing, and the most stylistically consistent with the dress and its neckline. It’s lovely.
There will be some bling on the mezuzah but I have requested two things of Ali. One: that there not be too much bling since I like to keep an element of modesty to my red carpet–and other–appearances. (Ali rolled her eyes.) And two: I requested no real diamonds either on the mezuzah or the surrounding chains since I do not want to participate in the mining or currency of blood diamonds. (Ali rolled her eyes so far back in her head they stayed there for 26 seconds.) Seriously. No blood diamonds on this neck please!
The next you’ll see of my mezuzah will be on the red carpet and in a post here after the Emmys. At that time, I will show the computer renderings of the mezuzah, talk a bit more about its assembly, and discuss an opportunity to get to know North American Jewelers Inc. a little bit better.
The blessing when affixing a mezuzah to a doorpost is not recited when wearing a mezuzah but were I to craft a prayer for this occasion, I would express gratitude for sanctifying God’s commandments and gratitude for being able to adorn myself with a mezuzah as a declaration of faith, devotion, and appreciation for everything it stands for.
Recap:
Operation Motzi Mezuzah in effect. Going well. Almost complete.
Mood: Satisfied, excited, happy a mezuzah option is working for Ali.
Mezuzah: On its way from North American Jewelers to Ali.
Necklace chain: TBD. No blood diamonds please.
Follow along with Mayim’s journey to the Emmys with this piece about choosing a dress and necklace, her night among the Emmy-nominated stars, and what she was doing when she found out she was nominated.
