Shabbat
Shabbat is very important to the Jewish people. It is the 4th of the 10 Commandments. We are commanded to rest because God rested after creating the world.
Shabbat has become a time for families to come together and celebrate and to enjoy a festive meal together.
Our artifacts represent Jewish ritual objects that have been used by families on Shabbat. Some of these have fascinating stories behind them.
Ahad Ha'am stated: "More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews."
Challah Cover
Israel
Mother (Shari S. L.)
My family almost always uses it for shabbat.
Shabbat is a very special day for Jews. It wouldn't be Shabbat without challah. Ahad Ha'am said: "More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews."
Candlesticks
Minnesota
Mitch and Tracey G.
These were my great grandmother's shabbat candlesticks. She passed them down to my grandmother and then my grandmother passed them down to my dad.
The candlesticks represent the celebration of shabbat. By continuing this tradition and others, Judaism is kept alive.
Blessing Over the Sabbath Candles
Beth El Synagogue
My Mom
It is important to our family because it's gone from generation to generation. It was passed down to women in my family when they got married and used on Shabbat when they lit candles. Someday it will be mine.
The rabbi gave this to my mom's grandma, which is my great grandmother, on her wedding day in 1923. She saved it and gave it to my grandmother on her wedding day on March 23,1993. Lighting candles has been important to all the women in my family. This is one way to continue Judaism.
Shabbat Candle Holders
Isreal
Mine
My aunt and uncle gave me the Shabbat candle holders when I was very little. They bought the candle holders from Israel from a place called Lifeline of the Old, where retired people in Israel make handmade objects, like my candle holders. This makes them especially meaningful.
They are Shabbat candle holders that my family uses almost every Shabbat. Since they are mine, I always light them and they are special to me.
Shabbat is very important to my family.
Great Granfather's Candlesticks
Poland
Grandma
My grandma's grandpa brought these candlesticks to America from Poland and he gave them to my grandma who passed away, so they went to my family.
When my grandma's grandpa brought them from Poland he burned/cut off the bottom so he could travel easier. He needed to carry less and smaller things. The candlesticks were taller before he came to America. The fact that he went to so much trouble to bring them along shows that Shabbat was very important to him. We continue to celebrate Shabbat as Jews and it is still very important.
Candelabra
United States
Bubbie
My great-great Bubbie used it every Friday night at Shabbat dinners. It was something she wanted to pass down.
It was important to my great-great Bubbie who passed it down to my Bubbie.
Now its important to my Bubbie and to us. We use it to celebrate Shabbat like our ancestors did.
Shabbat Candlesticks
Eastern Europe
Karen Y.
The Shabbat candlesticks hold great significance to my family because they were the only thing my great-great grandma brought over from Europe.
Every time we celebrate Shabbat we think of my great-great grandma and how thankful we are to continue to celebrate Shabbat.
Wine Cup
Isreal
My Dad
My dad's grandfather gave this special Kiddush cup to my dad's father. This cup was with my Dad's grandfather in Poland and he brought it with him to America. He gave it to my grandfather as a symbol of his love of Judaism and being Jewish. He wanted to pass on his love and values with this cup through the generations.
My family's Kiddush cup represents our love and value for life. We bless the wine that it holds with traditional blessings on Shabbat, holidays and special occasions. We celebrate these with family, friends and community from generation to generation.
Candlestick
Romania
My Grandmother
It reminds us of her/our Jewish heritage. We use it on Shabbat and holidays.
It was brought from Romania by my great grandmother at age 19. She used it for Shabbat and I am happy that we are continuing this tradition.
Candlesticks From Israel
Israel
Sam B.
My cousin came back from Israel when he went and gave them to us to use for Shabbat.
Shabbat is very important to Jews. Everyone needs a day of rest. We are commanded to observe the Shabbat in the Ten Commandments.
Candlesticks
Minsk
Dad and Mom
They were handed down to my great grandmother who died 3 days before I was born! I am named after her, my middle name is Matthew and her first name is Mildred.
My Great, Great, Great Grandmother, Bubbie P. brought these candlesticks from Minsk to the USA in 1906.
I am proud that we are continuing to observe some of the same traditions as she did.
Challah Cover
MN
My Aunt
The challah cover was made by my aunt Sheryl before I was born. It is made out of silk and batik and has the words Shabbat Shalom on it. It was given to my mom and dad as a gift. We now use it every Friday night.
We put the challah cover on our table every Friday night and it makes Shabbat feel very special.
Shabbat is something to look forward to all week and it is an important part of being Jewish.
Challah Cover
Minnesota
Olga U.
My grandma hand-made it and gave it to my mom and now we use it a lot. We use the Challah cover on Shabbat.
Covering the Challah has been a tradition for many years among the Jewish People.
We eat Challah on Shabbat and Shabbat is an important part of being Jewish.
Candelabra
Russia
Sherly H.
It was my great grandma's and she passed it down to my grandma and it will be passed down to my mom.
This candelabra is used to celebrate Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. I
am happy to continue the traditions of my ancestors.