“The Mezuzah That Restored My Serenity”: A Testimony of Faith

As Chabad Italy, we consider it precious to give space to testimonies that show the concrete effect of study, mitzvot, and community closeness in people’s lives. What follows is the story—kept anonymous—of a friend who has been participating in our activities for years under the guidance of Rabbi Michi Nazrolai.

From loss to a return to roots

The meeting with Rabbi Michi took place in 2017, at a moment of family mourning. Since then, thanks to gatherings at the Chabad Center and—since 2021—to weekly Torah and Chassidut lessons on Zoom, a stable group was born with participants from various Italian cities, Switzerland, and Israel. The group also meets in person for shared moments (community meals, Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot). Along the way, the protagonist resumed the daily mitzvah of tefillin, which he describes as a source of serenity and moral strength.

Timeline of events in 2024

• April 23 — Second Pesach seder in Milan, organized by Rabbi Michi: “A beautiful evening with many friends.”
• April 24–29 — First stomach issues appear. None of the other seder participants report symptoms.
• May — The situation worsens: loss of appetite and weight; growing concern.
• May 28 — Visit to Doctor X: treatments have no effect, even in the following months.
• June 1–6 — Night anxieties emerge. Visit to the chief gastroenterologist: prescribes tests, ultrasound, and medication to stimulate motility.
• June 17 — Abdominal ultrasound: negative.
• July 4 — Blood tests: normal. Doctor suggests an anxious origin.
• July 5–10 — Symptoms persist (throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing). Gastroscopy scheduled for August 8.
• July 30 — Moment of reflection: recalling Pesach cleaning, he remembers having placed a mezuzah purchased in 2019 at Ben Gurion Airport duty free. Upon removal, he finds it contains no parchment, only cotton padding. Contacts Rabbi S. H. to buy a kosher mezuzah (purchase scheduled for September).
• August 8 — Gastroscopy and biopsies: negative. “No physical problems” to explain the last three months. Ordering a new mezuzah itself brings a first relief.
• September 15 — In Milan, he purchases the mezuzah and, once home, places it on the doorpost with the blessing.
• From September 16 — Reports a marked improvement physically, emotionally, and mentally: appetite returns, night anxieties disappear, normal life resumes.
• Following months — Stable wellbeing.

The meaning of the discovery

The mezuzah—containing the parchment with the verses of the Shema Israel—is, according to our tradition, both a sign of Jewish identity and a spiritual protection for the home. The testimony highlights a crucial point: a mezuzah without parchment is invalid. The turning point, our friend recounts, came with the replacement by an authentic mezuzah, affixed with the blessing.

“I relaxed and slept peacefully… I resumed normal life and have not had any problems since,” he shares.

What this story teaches us

• The importance of verifying mezuzot and purchasing them only from reliable sources.
• The value of educational paths: lessons, mitzvot, and community life are practical tools through which Chabad accompanies every Jew in every situation.
• The discretion and human closeness: from the first support in 2017 to the ongoing guidance of Rabbi Michi and other rabbis.

A service to the community

Those who wish information or need mezuzot and tefillin can contact our sales point at the Chabad Center of Piazza Bologna (Rome), with worldwide shipping: www.chabadshop.it.

Note: We publish this testimony as it was shared by its author, for inspiration and personal growth. It does not replace medical advice: in the presence of symptoms, always consult your physician.