Late 1800s - Early 1900s: Immigration
Our families came to the United States with a few prized possessions reminding them of their journeys, their lives in Europe,and family left behind. These include ritual items such as candle sticks, and everyday items such as a samovar. Often the only information we have are the stories or papers such as census documents which helps us know more about their names, and where they lived.
Candlesticks
England
Ann H.
My great- great- grandfather bought these candlesticks in England, when he did an apprenticeship as a uniform cap maker. When he came to America in 1905, after escaping the Russian army, he was able to afford to bring the candlesticks with him. He soon married my great-great-grandmother, Annie R. They lit the candlesticks on Shabbat, and other holidays. The candlesticks were given to my great-grandparents. They also lit them on Shabbat and other holidays. They were passed to my grandparents, and now they belong to my family. We are the fourth generation to have them. The candlesticks that were bought in England, and moved from Russia, to America, to our family's different homes.
The candlesticks were used as by great-great-grandfather's Shabbat candles, and they were used as candles for many other holidays as well. The candlesticks are an important artifact in my family, because they were my grandfathers, and they were used as special candles, and have been passed on throughout the generations to be used in a Jewish household. Not only are they an old, priceless artifact from my ancestors, but they are a part of the Jewish life that they lived, and what we live today!
Gomzu - Samovor
Russian Empire
Ruth W
My great-great grandfather came to this country in 1903 from Lithuania, he left my Grandmother and his youngest son and two daughters behind. In 1906 my great-great grandmother, her son Aaron, 5, her daughter Gertrude 7 and her oldest daughter, my Great Grandmother Teala 9,were sent enough money by my great-great grandfather to come over too. They left from the Port of Hamburg. On the day they were leaving they had all their possessions on the dock waiting to load the boat for Philidelphia. While waiting for the boat Great Grandma, her sister and mom had to go somewhere. Aaron was left with their things. A thief came by and stole the silver Samovar. Aaron felt awful and a friendly family on the dock gave our family a Pewter samovar. Our family has treasured it ever since.
Getting the replacement samovar from that generous Jewish family showed that our luck was going to change and there was going to be good things in the future in America.
Ketubah
Poland
Father, Stuart Z.
I believe that this ketubah is from my great-grandparents on my father's side. It is important to my dad because it is part of his history and where he comes from.
This ketubah has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a symbol of Jewish ritual and heritage in addition to part of my personal history. The Jewish marriage rituals were important to my great-grandparents as well as my parents. Ketubot from both these generations hang on the walls of my home to keep art and history alive.
Candle Holder
Poland
Great-great-grandma
My great-great grandma got these in Poland in the early 1900's. They have been passed down through the generations until my mom and dad used them for their wedding.
My great-great grandma used to "ben shlick" these candles for Shabbat. This is important because it showed Shabbat traditions in earlier times.
Candlesticks
unknown
My Great Great Aunt Mary
Shabbat is special to our family and we love to celebrate it using Aunt Mary's candlesticks. It helps us remember her.
Sarah was the first Jewish woman to light candlesticks for Shabbat. We light the candles to honor the day that G-d told us to bless.
1910 Census
New York City
Grandma
This census record shows where my great-great-grandpa was living in 1910. My great grandma(aka \"Bubbe\") was approximately 1 year old at the time. This is one of the older artifacts in my family, except the ones that my \"Bubbe\" has; which makes it very old. This census record is important to my family because it helped my grandma with making a family tree.
This census is important to Jewish Heritage because it shows the immigration patterns of the Jews