Paper
Whether through pictures, illustrations, or written material, paper has long been an effective medium for Jewish expression. As more and more written and visual material is stored electronically, paper objects will become less and less common. Many of us can look through our homes and find books, pictures and artwork that have been passed on from generation to generation, symbols and records of our Jewish heritage. This gallery is made up of some unique artifacts, made from paper, that are symbols of our historical and cultural identity.
Jewish Cookbook
New Jersey
Winnie J
This Jewish cookbook is used by my family as a guide to preparing delicious dishes on Jewish holidays. Our family has tried many of the recipes in this cookbook. One of our favorite recipes from this cookbook is the strudel recipe on page 62. This cookbook was given to my family by my grandmother.
Food is a very important part of my Jewish Heritage. We link the Jewish holidays to special dishes we eat as a family. At holiday meals, we combine our Jewish and Southern tastes to create a unique cultural experience.
Russian Siddur
United States Of America
Tatyana S. and Vladimer S.
This siddur is one of the few books on my family's bookshelf that is written in both Hebrew and Russian. It represents the Russian and Jewish roots of my family. It was published in the USA for Russian speakers who live in this country.
This siddur holds the prayers we recite on Shabbat. The translation to Russian allows my family to understand the meaning behind the prayers.
Miniature Torah
Probably Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Lora S.
This miniature Torah was given to my great grandfather when he was a boy when he was 8 or 9 years old. My grandmother told me that it was his consecration Torah. Having recently left Russia, the synagogue in his new home town of Philadelphia became the focus of his immigrant family's new life. When he passed away, my grandmother gave the consecration Torah to me.
Traditionally, a Torah is given during a consecration ceremony from a Jewish student's synagogue when they begin Hebrew School. This symbolizes the beginning of their Torah study.
Bar Mitzvah Invitation
San Francisco
Debra C.
This invitation was for my grandfather's Bar Mitzvah. He lived for a short time in California. Today, the building on 745 Buchanan Street is a Korean American Community Center.
My grandfather's Bar Mitzvah was an important event in his life. He was called to read from the Torah in front of his family's congregation. My heritage is linked to this invitation as I too will become a Bar Mitzvah at age thirteen.
Photograph
Newtown, CT
Israel N.
This picture of my grandfather, on his Bar Mitzvah day, was taken on land that was donated by his family for a synagogue in Newtown, CT. The land was donated in the early 1900's, after his grandfather, grandmother, and their children came here from Russia. A new synagogue has since been built on the land (built in 2005). The family still attends services there.
The synagogue was built in the early 1900's. Currently, it is still in use by Orthodox and Conservative Jews in Newtown, Ct. My grandfather's grandfather donated this land. Our family still lives and owns property adjacent to it and in other nearby areas. As many people have moved away from Newtown, others have come in. The synagogue continues to thrive and serve the Jewish community there today, just as it did for Jewish immigrants a century ago.