This is a poignant and historically significant hand-carved wooden Mezuzah case originating from the Litzmannstadt Ghetto (Lodz, Poland) during World War II. The piece features three distinct hand-carved symbols:

• The Eye of Providence: Representing the all-seeing eye of God, a symbol of hope and divine watchfulness during the Holocaust.

• The Hebrew Letter 'Shin' (ש): Standing for Shaddai (Almighty), traditional for Mezuzah cases.

• The Menorah: A seven-branched candelabra, a universal symbol of the Jewish faith and the resilience of the light.

The reverse side features a hollowed-out compartment for a scroll and mounting holes at the top and bottom. The wood shows a dark, aged patina consistent with its age and history.

Provenance

1. Passed down through a Jewish emigree family in Sunrise, Florida (originally from Lodz/Litzmannstadt, Poland).

2. Sold via eBay, USA, April 23, 2017 (Lot #292084105026).

3. Acquired from V.N. Collectibles via LiveAuctioneers in 2026.

Specifications

• Origin: Litzmannstadt Ghetto, Poland (Lodz Ghetto)

• Age: Circa 1940–1944

• Material: Hand-carved wood

• Dimensions: 6.25" x 2" x 9/16"; Weight: 1.7 oz

• Condition: Good vintage/antique condition. Shows authentic wear, aging of the wood grain, and minor surface abrasions consistent with use on a doorpost and long-term storage. Please see photos for detail.

The Story: A Silent Witness to Resilience

This Mezuzah is more than a religious object; it is a silent witness to the resilience of the human spirit. Hand-carved from wood within the confines of the Litzmannstadt Ghetto (Lodz, Poland), it served as a defiant symbol of faith during one of history’s darkest chapters. While the world outside was defined by walls and barbed wire, the symbols on this wood—the watchful Eye of Providence and the light of the Menorah—reminded a family that they were not forgotten.

Carved by hand with limited tools, its rugged texture tells the story of a craftsman clinging to identity in a place designed to strip it away. Having survived the liquidation of the ghetto and traveled across the ocean to Florida with an emigree family, this piece stands as a tangible bridge between the lost world of Polish Jewry and the present day. It is an extraordinary piece for any collector of Holocaust history or museum-grade Judaica.

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CERTIFICATE OF PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY

Item: Hand-Carved Wooden Holocaust Mezuzah Case

Origin: Litzmannstadt Ghetto (Lodz), Occupied Poland

Circa: 1940–1944

DESCRIPTION: A hand-carved wooden Mezuzah featuring the Eye of Providence, the Hebrew letter Shin (ש), and a Menorah. Dimensions: 175 x 35 x 14 mm.

CHRONOLOGY OF OWNERSHIP: * Original Ownership: Family of Jewish emigrees from Lodz, Poland; relocated to Sunrise, Florida, USA.

• April 23, 2017: Transferred via Private Sale/Auction (eBay Lot #292084105026).

• 2026: Acquired by the current consignor via V.N. Collectibles (LiveAuctioneers).

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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