Holidays
Holidays are very important to Jews. They help us to understand all major events in Jewish history.
All of these artifacts have a story to tell about how a specific holiday could be celebrated. In fact, holiday traditions have often been passed down from generation to generation.
Having such a variety of holidays makes being Jewish fun and meaningful. It also makes us feel good to know that we are celebrating the same things that our ancestors did.
Matzah Cover
USA
Sam Okrent (Grandpa)
My grandpa was in the Holocaust so he did not have anything when he came to America. When he came to this country the matzah cover was one of the first things he bought. My grandpa and his family have used it on Pesach ever since. Before he died he gave it to my mom. My mom did not use it because it was so worn out. But, we keep it to remeber him and all the Passovers he celebrated with our family.
Passover is one of our most important holidays. It celebrates freedom. Matzah reminds us of the time we were slaves in Egypt and then were freed.
I love being at the seders with all my family. When I grow up I plan to have a seder at my own home.
Hanukiah
Russia
Great Grandma
This Hanukiah came from Russia around the time of WWII. My great grandma passed it down and now we have it.
Hanukah is the Festival of Lights. I love watching the candles burn. It is also fun to celebrate with my family and friends.
I like Hanukah. It celebrates my right to be Jewish.
Chanukiah
Unknown place of origin
My Mom
My great grandmother gave it to my Bubby (grandmother) and then my Bubby gave it to my mom and now my family uses the Chanukiah still. The Chanukiah will be passed down to one of my siblings or me. The Chanukiah is really hard to clean so we have to take 15 minutes out of the day to clean the Chanukiah. Also on the forth through eighth day the Chanukiah candles are too tall so my mom has to stay up all night until the candles burn out because the shamash candle burns the candles right below it.
I was past down from my mothers mother mother (my great-grandmother), and it has been used every Hanukkah since the 1920's.
Passover plate
Isreal
Steven and Rachel Rosen
My parents got this plate as a wedding gift and we use it every year at the seder. I know the symbolism of every item on the seder plate and I can't wait to use it each year.
Passover is the most celebrated Jewish holiday. My family is continuing this old tradition and I plan to continue it in the future.
Seder Plate
Russia
Mom
My mom got this seder plate from my bubby and she got it from her mom. I was named after her. This seder plate is really important to my family. We use it every Passover. It reminds us of our ancestors.
It is a fact that more Jews celebrate Pesach than any other holiday. Pesach is the holiday of freedom. We celebrate Pesach with all our family and we always use this seder plate. I love being with my family on Pesach.
Hanukiah
Israel
My Dad
My grandparents gave my dad this Hanukiah. They bought it at Temple Israel. My dad will probably pass it down to my brother, Seth.
Hanukah is a very meaningful holiday. It is our Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the struggle for religious freedom, the right to practice one's religion.
I love celebrating Hanukah with my family.
Hanukiah
USA
my uncle
My uncle gave our family this hanukiah. On the point that holds the candles it says all our names. In addition there is a personal message to each of us. We keep it in our living room.
Hannukah is the festival of lights and it is a very popular holiday. I like to light the candles each night with my family. When I get older, I hope to pass it on.
Chanukiah
United States
Mom
This Chanukiah was my great grandpa's. He gave it to my grandpa who gave it to my mom. My family has it now and we use it for Chanukah.
Either my sister or I will get it when we get older.
I like celebrating Chanukah because it celebrates my right to be Jewish. I like the food, the presents and spending time with my family.
We light the candles as a family and I love using this Chanukiah which has been passed downin my family for generations.
A Special Picture
USA-Grandparents' House
Parents
This is a special photo of my uncle who lives in New York,(whom I've never met), my dad, my Great Uncle Ben, and my Papa Ivan. My dad is the one holding the candles.
The men in the photo are lighting Hanukkah candles and my dad is the one holding the candle. My father's side of the family is celebrating Hannukah together, as we continue to do in my family now. I am happy that we are continuing the tradition.
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