1970s to Present: Modern Times
Our families continue to collect artifacts that represent our commitment and involvement in our communities. We have ritual items such as menorahs and haggadahs. We save money for tzedakah in special boxes and participate in our community and are honored for our participation.
Menorah
Israel
My daddy
When my daddy was 11 years old he was given this little menorah and he has kept it ever since.
The significance of this menorah was that it was the first menorah my mom and dad had in their home together.
Sunny's Haggadah
San Jose, California
Sunny M
My aunt gave some of these Haggadahs to my parents, so that we could have Passover seders in our own home. My aunt was an artist and illustrated the Haggadah. This Haggadah is special for another reason. My aunt died of pancreatic cancer two years ago. She lived with this cancer for five years. During those five years she lived life to the fullest. She traveled, worked out everyday, and had seders in her home until her last six months of life. She died peacefully in her home. This was the home she opened up to her family and friends for Thanksgiving dinners and seders for over 40 years. She had incredible courage and strength that is appreciated by my whole family.
Haggadah is the book that retells the story of Passover. Many historical events leave out the important women. My aunt compiled this Haggadah because she wanted women, especially the women in her family, to have a voice during the recounting of this Jewish holiday.
University of Arizona basketball signed by 1992-1993 team and coach
Tucson, Arizona
My dad Mark S.
It has been passed down through the generations. I\'m the fourth generation to share this basketball. When my great grandfather Zellie passed away in 1998, my grandmother Linda inherited this artifact and in turn decided to give this basketball to my dad because my great grandfather and my dad had many conversations about the University of Arizona basketball team.
This basketball was given to my great grandparents, Zellie and Helen C. in 1992 by the University of Arizona men\'s basketball head coach, Lute Olsen. Coach Olsen wanted to give this special gift to them not only because my great grandparents were long time season ticket holders and lived on the same street, but also because they were great friends.
Tzedakah Box
Israel
Grandma
This Tzedakah Box was given to me by my Grandmother Felice. My Grandmother purchased this Box in Jerusalem, Israel. It is hand-made by the elderly people and sold to help their community. It is significant because it is a gift from my Grandmother from Israel.
The Tzedakah Box is very special to Jewish Heritage because it is used to collect money to support the poor and to give to charity. Helping others is a very important part of Jewish life and tradition. This is also important to my family and I. We save money and donate to help Oakland Children's Hospital and the East Bay SPCA.