During the flight of STS-107 in 2003 Israeli astronaut Ilon Ramon carried aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia a mezuzah identical to the one shown here. The practice of fastening mezuzahs on doorposts is common in the Jewish faith. Placed inside are scriptural passages written on a small scroll. Made by artist Frank Meisler, this replica is identical to the one that Ramon carried and was destroyed when Columbia broke up during landing.

The State of Israel presented this replica to the National Air and Space Museum in 2010 in memory of Ramon.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

Israel

Type

MEMORABILIA-Miscellaneous

Artist

Frank Meisler

Astronaut

Ilan Ramon, Israeli

Dimensions

Approximate: 8.3 × 6 × 14.6cm (3 1/4 × 2 3/8 × 5 3/4 in.)
Storage: 17.8 × 24.1 × 11.4cm (7 in. × 9 1/2 in. × 4 1/2 in.)

Materials

Granite
Non Magnetic Metal
Paint

Inventory Number

A20100099000

Credit Line

Gift of State of Israel

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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