Special Items
Come and enjoy the thrill of our special items gallery. These artifacts will take you from the 1800s to the present time.
They are cherished by many families. A special item may have been passed down by previous generations and every item has a story behind it. Every item is special to someone in the world. We are excited to share our artifacts with you.
Brisket Server
Former Czechoslovakia
Debbi P.
This brisket server was brought over on a ship called the St. Paul by my great-grandmother. When my family arrived in the United States, they used the server for special occasions and important Jewish holidays, and eventually the server was passed to my grandma. After my mom was born, my family used the server on every Rosh Hashanah in Indiana. Nine months before my mom got married, my grandma gave her a lot of our family's Judaica, and the brisket server was among those items.
Food is a very important part of every Jewish holiday and celebration. One of my favorite foods is brisket. My mom's is the best. When I look at this brisket server it reminds me of my mom's brisket.
Maybe she'll teach me how to make it, so that when I get older I can make it for Jewish holidays and special occasions.
A Life History of Alexander Ziskind Gurwitz
Russia
Barry (Dad)
My great great-grandfather, Alexander Ziskind Gurwitz, wrote the story of his life in a little book in Yiddish. Then my mom and dad had it translated into 2 books or volumes with many chapters of his life. They had a Rabbi do it.
I love reading it and learning about his life and all the things he had to go through.
I hope you like my artifact.
Everyone should know where they came from and what their family history is.
My grandfather was a Rabbi, but they referred to him as a rav.
He would be very proud to know that I am learning about Judaism, going to the synagogue to prepare for my Bat Mitzvah and celebrating Shabbat and all the Jewish holidays.
I am continuing the commandments and traditions of the Jewish people.
Silver Flatware
Unknown place of origin
My Parents
This silverware was given to my great great grandmother for her wedding. Then it was passed down to my grandpa and then for my parents' wedding it was given to them. It is kept in a very special box with the rest of the set of plates, knives, a pea pusher, forks, spoons, and salad silverware. The silverware is engraved with an "S" for our family name.
This silverware has been used to celebrate the High Holidays, Shabbat, Passover and other holidays. Also, it was used to celebrate Jewish life cycle events.I want to continue the tradition of celebrating Jewish holidays when I grow up.
Kippah
USA
Brad K.
My great grandfather, Max, owned this kippah and it was then passed down to my dad. He now wears it whenever we go to the synagogue. My brother will be the next one to get it.
A kippah is worn by Jews to remind us that there is something above us. Some Jews wear a kippah all the time. It is a sign that we are Jewish and that we are proud to be Jewish. I will be getting a special kippah for my Bat Mitzvah and I will be proud to wear it.
My Own Kosher Cookbook
St. Louis Park, MN
Howard and Elaine K.
My great grandma used a book like this. She bought a cookbook for my grandma. My grandma bought my dad a cookbook for his wedding. My parents bought Jewish cookbooks for my sister and me. This is the book my parents gave to me. You can tell that cooking is important in my family.
I will make sure to buy my kids a cookbook and they will buy their kids a cookbook. That way the tradition will go on and on.
Food is an important a part of every Jewish holiday. I love matzo balls and there's always a good recipe for matzo balls in every Jewish cookbook.
Memory Book
United States
Father
My artifact (memory book) was made in memory of my grandfather Henry who died in the year of 2007. Everyone in my family who wanted to participate had the chance. It is a really good way of expressing your thoughts of him and made me feel really good when I was writing my part. Although it is not old, it is very valuable to my family and we are hoping it will get passed on to one of us when we get older.
My grandfather, Henry, was a wonderful man. Judaism was a very important part of his life.
He was a role model to other people about how to be a good person and a good Jew. Grandpa Henry taught us all a lot.
He was happy that his grandchildren were learning about Judaism and learning how to live Jewish lives. This is how Judaism will survive.
Photo of Chagall Windows
Israel
mom and dad
My mom saw these when she was on a trip to Israel at the age of 12. They were in the chapel of Hadassah Hospital. She fell in love with them, but lost all of her photos of them. She then found some postcards made for the dedication of these windows and bought them. My mom had them framed and they are displayed beautifully in our home.
Israel is very important to all of the Jews. In addition, these windows depict the 12 tribes spoken about in the Torah.
The Chagall windows connect us to Israel and to our early history as Jews.
Jewish Star Necklace
Israel
My Papa and My Mom/Dana
This necklace belonged to my great grandmother Flo, and she gave it to my grandma. When my grandma died it became my mother's. My mom just recently gave it to me. It is special to me because it is my only thing I have from her.
My great grandma Flo was proud to be Jewish. That's why she went to Israel with her husband Mo. She bought this beautiful necklace there.
I am also proud to be Jewish and I will wear it with pride on special occasions.
The Living Museum is a project of the Education Department of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
The Living Museum is made possible through the generous support of The Covenant Foundation. The statements made and the views
expressed, however, are solely the responsibility of the grantee.