The rich dialogue between ancient and modern, between tradition and innovation, is celebrated in contemporary Judaica objects such as the Beron Mezuzah, by Harley Swedler. Often housed in a protective case, a mezuzah is a scroll that is inscribed with the Shema (verses taken from Deuteronomy), a central prayer in Jewish liturgy that affirms the covenant between God and the Jewish people. This particular passage also obligates Jews to affix a mezuzah to the doorposts of their homes.

As with other ritual and ceremonial objects, contemporary artists continue to reinterpret the mezuzah, combining modern-day aesthetics with ancient traditions. Architect Harley Swedler comes from a traditional Jewish background and unites the Hebrew text with his professional training to create contemporary Judaica pieces. Using metals, joints, edges, and seams, Swedler creates what he calls "alternative Judaica" to explore notions of unity and boundaries within Jewish sacred writings and culture. In his mezuzah, the words "obligation" and "covenant" are etched into the glass that encases the parchment scroll, epitomizing the mezuzah text. The form of the piece also reflects the spiritual essence of the text: the seven bronze ribs inscribed with the word "witness" correspond to the seven times that God's name is mentioned in the Shema, while the ribs represent the act of binding the text to the door.

A reflection of his Jewish heritage, Swedler's deliberate use of text underlines the purpose of the object and the history of the ritual. The incorporation of biblical references is the most dominant aspect of this mezuzah. By incorporating his culture, through text, into his art, Swedler is creating "Jewish art," which addresses, consciously or unconsciously, questions of Jewish identity. Lines from the Torah become an inherent piece of the total form and the image, bringing to light the contemporary relevance of religious text and ritual in art and life.