Two mezuzot housed in special pewter cases created in the Tel Aviv art studio of Laura Cowan are headed for space, safely tucked into the NASA pouch of Greg Chamitoff. "They represent the two most important elements in his life: space and the Jewish faith," said the artist, who named her "Apollo Mezuzah" for the 1969 mission to the moon.

The 45-year-old Canadian Jewish astronaut plans to affix one of the small Biblical scrolls to the doorpost of his room on the Discovery international space station during his six-month stay. Chamitoff will serve as a flight engineer and science officer on Expedition 17.