Jewish Connections
by Brooks T. and Irwin L.
In this gallery, you will see many artifacts referring to the history of Jews. There are documents, articles of clothing, and many more artifacts, like a kippah from long ago that was very special to the owner and blueprints that helped build a Jewish community shul. The artifacts belonged to our beloved ancestors and our Jewish heritage. We have learned a lot about our history as Jews, and we have learned about what was going on in that time period.
We are proud to say that this project really worked in getting us to learn about our ancestors. Please enter this gallery and enjoy learning about our Jewish connections.
Photo and a Life Story
United States of America
Rachel B.
This photo is of my great uncle, Abraham J. B., and his family. The photo was taken in America in 1904. They were the first Syrian Jewish family to come to America. This book tells the story of most of the life of Abraham J. B. with some history of my great grandparents as well. The book, "Men of Faith and Vision," speaks about the B. and Blanco ancestors.
It traces our Sephardic Jewish family roots back to Aleppo, Syria. Many famous Jewish scholars were from Aleppo.
Shochet knife
Made in Germany, used in Egypt
Albert M. C.
This knife was used by by grandfather. It is important to my family because my grandfather passed away and it is one of the few things we have left to remember him by.
Its significance to Judaism is that it was used to slaughter kosher animals. To slaughter kosher animals there are many laws to be followed. One of the laws is that the shochet knife cannot have any bumps, which means it has to be a straight, smooth knife so it can make a clean cut.
Ketubah
United States
Eddie D.
This ketubah was the marriage contract of Eli and Mable D., the grandparents of Marielle. It is special to my family because it shows when and where the wedding was and who participated in it. It is also very special to my family because my grandparents and their immediate family all passed away, so it is the only source of knowledge I have of the wedding.
The ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract between a bride and a groom. It tells about the obligations of a Jewish groom. It tells us that if there's a divorce then the groom has an obligation to pay the bride a certain amount. The ketubah also has the signatures of the bride and groom as proof they are married.
Talet, Tzisit, Teffilin
Cairo, Egypt
Michael G.
The teffilin and tzisit presented here are two precious artifacts belonging to my grandpa, David G. a"h.
The tzisit were worn by my grandpa, David when he was a little boy. When my grandpa wore the tzisit, it was a sign of protection in religious law.
My grandpa wore the teffilin when he was the age of 13. In Jewish heritage it states when one becomes bar mitzvah, he has an obligation to put on teffilin. He wraps leather straps around his arm and place a teffilin on his forehead below the hair line. He should acknowledge that the teffilin symbolizes protection. It is a segula (sign) for longevity.
Blueprints for Synagogue
Brooklyn, NY
Abraham T.
My grandpa Isaac was the founder and president of Shaare Zion, along with my Great Uncle Moe. They worked very hard to plan, design and get the synagogue built. The blue prints were drawn by architects, Newmann and Taylor. The design shows all the dimensions of floors and rooms, and also the location of all the rooms, doors, exits, etc.
This was kept in mint condition by my Grandpa and my father, Abraham T. We may have started a tradition of passing down this artifact to future generations.
If not for these blueprints, the Brooklyn community wouldn't be like it is today. Many Jews came to pray here everyday. If my Grandpa Isaac and Uncle Moe hadn't thought of the idea, it may never have been built or built at a much later date.
Family tree
Israel
Naomi Nahum
My artifact shows who has been in our family for the past 409 years and tells us about our history. The tree originated in Israel, then was taken to Morocco, and taken back to Israel. The tree only has the men because they held the family name. Neatly written in blue ink, another branch was drawn in while writing the name in. The tree has not been finished but the last person on the tree was my grandmother's brother.
In this family tree there are many great rabbis. My great great grandfather was the only the rabbi that I know, but there are many more. My great grandfather gave a lot of money to charity and into fixing synagogues and other things.
Chumash
Egypt
David S.
This artifact means a lot to my family because it was given to my Uncle Alan by my great grandfather. My great grandfather got this Chumash when he was seven years old in 1922 in Egypt. He then gave it to his grandchild when he turned seven. It will continue to be passed down throughout future generations.
The Chumash is the basis of the Jewish religion because it contains the five books of the Torah. Jews use it to learn Torah. Without Chumashim we would know less about our religion and the proper way to live our lives today.