Household Objects
From wooden sanding planes to silver serving spoons, we are featuring many different household objects from different places around the globe. Their significance is that they have been passed down from generation to generation. In daily life, you may not think of their importance, but since they have been passed down, they are important to us. From objects to eat, play, and work with, we have it all.
Serving Spoon
Rhode Island
Jeanne R.
This artifact has been passed down from generation to generation to the oldest daughter in the family when they get married. It was made in the late 1800s in Rhode Island. My great-great aunt received it when a man named Charles Smith died and split up all his possessions among his workers because he had no children. She then divided the gifts she received throughout the family and my great aunt received the serving spoon. My great aunt passed it on to my mother when she got married.
This serving spoon is used to serve my family at different holiday meals. Getting together with family is an important part of Judaism. Holidays are a time to enjoy one another\'s company and rejoice with family and friends.
Wooden Plane
Not Sure
Andrew G.
This wooden plane was a present to my father, Andrew G. When you place a piece of wood under the plane and push it and apply pressure, small pieces come off the original object and smooth it down. It is also used for carving. It was given to him by his grandfather, Paul S. It was used to repair some really old furniture. The wooden plane may have been made by Paul S. It was given to my father when he was a teenager. Andrew liked this artifact not only because his grandfather gave it to him, but also because he did woodworking.
Paul S. was not Jewish, so although this artifact doesn\'t have Jewish significance, the importance of family and traditions is a Jewish value.
Challah Cover
Elizabeth, NJ
Lois S.
This artifact was given to me as a high school graduation present as part of Shabbat-in-a-box from my aunt. She gave a Shabbat-in-box to all the cousins in our family to help them continue to celebrate Shabbat as they left home and went on to college. The box contained candle sticks, a kiddush cup, spices and candle for Havdallah, and this Challah cover. I now use this Challah cover with my family every week on Shabbat.
Jews have celebrated Shabbat for hundreds of years. The traditions of Shabbat include eating challah during the Friday night and Saturday afternoon meal. Shabbat is a time for resting, relaxing and enjoying the company of family and friends. A great place for doing this is the Shabbat table, and the challah cover serves as a centerpiece for the table.
Vanessa the Beautiful
Moscow
Tatyana J.
My mother received this doll on her seventh birthday from her father, who died not long after. She received it during the Soviet Era of the Iron Curtain. Made in 1984, this little doll was one of the few things that my mother took with her on her voyage from Russia to America. Vanessa is a character from a well-known Russian folk story. Women dressed this way during the time of Tzar Ivan the Terrible.
My mother received this doll from her father, right before he died. He was the one who took her to the synagogue to pray every Saturday. She remembers him and everything he taught her when she looks at this doll.
Decorative Platter
Jerusalem
David G.
This artifact is very important to my family because it has been passed down through generations. My father used to put his school projects on it. It was given to my father during Chanukkah when he was a child, and he will pass it on to my brother next Chanukkah.
This object was made in Jerusalem and has a picture of Jerusalem on it. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and has been important to Jews for thousands of years.