Jewish communal professional Rachel Berezin has been named the first CEO of MyZuzah, an organization based in Chevy Chase, Md., that connects, protects and unites the global Jewish community, fostering identity through heritage by working to put a mezuzah on the front door of every Jewish home.
Since its founding in 2018, MyZuzah has distributed mezuzahs to more than 20,000 Jewish individuals and families in 72 countries “and we’re just getting started,” said Berezin, who has been consulting with the organization since September 2024.
Started by the Mayberg Foundation, MyZuzah has built a diverse funding base and developed partner organizations throughout the world. “Bringing on Rachel to steer the future course of MyZuzah comes at just the right time to move this dynamic organization to its next phase of its development,” said Manette Mayberg, a trustee of the foundation.
“All of the groundwork laid by MyZuzah’s program director, Alex Shapero and his team enables Rachel to bring her talents and expertise to an organization poised to impact the Jewish world exponentially and bring it to its full potential,” Mayberg said. “I am thrilled to welcome Rachel to MyZuzah and support her in every way possible in her mission to strengthen Jewish peoplehood and unity through the shared and universal values embodied in the timeless mezuzah.”
“I’m so excited for Rachel to join our team and help us tell the amazing story of what MyZuzah has become,” said Shapero. “She is just the person we need to expand our work and make sure we can truly place a mezuzah on every Jewish home in the world.”
Berezin brings to her new position 18 years of successful Jewish communal experience, as well as a proven track record as a creative and effective fundraiser, strategist and leader. Her prior experience includes senior development roles with the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford in Connecticut, and the globally recognized PJ Library program. In each of these roles, she has strengthened fundraising efforts, expanded organizational visibility and enhanced the impact of the organization.
“We are confident that Rachel will take MyZuzah to the next level and beyond. She has a gift for engaging people that will serve MyZuzah well,” said Todd Sukol, executive director of the Mayberg Foundation. “We remain proud to be a continuing partner in MyZuzah’s growth and evolution.”
Berezin is deeply committed to fostering Jewish continuity and inspiring strong Jewish identity across generations. Her work at MyZuzah is driven by her belief that Jewish tradition and heritage play a central role in creating meaningful and lasting connections to Jewish life.
“One of the first Jewish choices a person makes when creating a home is putting a mezuzah on their door. This choice is a declaration of Jewish identity and connection to tradition and peoplehood,” said Berezin. “Mezuzahs also can be used to mark milestone moments, whether it’s a time of joy or recovery from stress and upheaval. They also are powerful symbols of Jewish pride and solidarity.”
“Rachel is one of the smartest and most intuitive people I know. Her mind works quickly, she brings clarity to complex situations, and she has a deft and determined touch coupled with a highly engaging leadership style,” said Richard Friedman, retired executive director of the Birmingham Jewish Federation in Alabama and consultant to the Mayberg Foundation.
Berezin became connected with MyZuzah in September when she was retained as a consultant to help the organization work with award-winning actress Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” “The Middle”). Heaton, a devout Catholic, initiated a movement to encourage friends and allies of the Jewish community to display mezuzahs as affirmations of solidarity with the Jewish community.
“So much opportunity awaits us,” said Berezin. “I am deeply honored to have been selected as MyZuzah’s first CEO and grateful for the confidence the Mayberg Foundation has placed in me. The MyZuzah team and I look forward to reaching even more people and affixing mezuzahs to more doors.”
