Life Cycle
Jewish life cycle events are an important part of our lives as Jews.
Each life cycle event has its own rituals and traditions.
Whether it is a Brit Milah, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a wedding or a funeral, these events help to define us as Jews.
The rituals and traditions associated with these events have often been passed down for many generations
Kiddush Cup
Russia
My parents and Great grampa
My great grandpa lived until he was 103 years old. My parents named me after him. His name was Abraham, and my hebrew name is Avraham.
My Great Grandpa got this silver Kiddush cup at his Bris when he was 8 days old in 1899.
My Great Grandpa moved from Russia to America because of Religious persecution.
This Kiddush Cup is important to Jewish heritage because it is used during the Bris.
The Bris is a covenant between the Jewish people and G-d.
Tallit
Israel
Dad
My dad used this tallit at his Bar Mitzvah when he was 13 years old.
The tallit was given to him by his mother, Gail (Nana), and by his father, Israel Mirviss (Grandpa Sunny). It was first his dad's tallit, and he then passed on to him.
Men and some women wear a tallit at services mostly because it reminds us of the mitzvot.The 4 sets of strings hanging down,1 in each corner the tzizzit, represent the 613 mitzvot.
The tallit is a piece of long cloth that is often silky and blue and white,to remind us of the colors of the Israeli flag. It is worn on the shoulders of those over Bar/ Bat Mitvah age.The tallit on our shoulders signifies that God is surrounding us and hearing our prayers.
Tallit
Eastern Europe
dad
This Tallit has been passed down in my family for 122 years.
Men in my family have all worn it for their B'nai Mitzvah. My great grandfather received it as a boy in Eastern Europe.
He brought it to Minnesota and gave it to my grandfather, and then to my father.
A tallit is an object that is worn at synagogue on Shabbat and holidays.
We start wearing it when we become B'nai Mitzvah.
The most important part of the tallit are the fringes. They remind us of the 613 Mitzvot.
The Torah commands us to wear Tzizit.
We are carrying on a very ancient and an important Jewish tradition by wearing the Tallit.
Marriage Scroll
Minneapolis, MN.
Parents
This scroll was given to my parents for there wedding. It was one of the many gifts my parents received.
They said it was " one of our favorite gifts."
This scroll brings back many fond memories of their wedding day.
Marriage and family are central to
Judaism.
Without Jewish marriages, Judaism would not continue. A jewish wedding is a vrery hapy and holy event.
It is in the familly that Jewish traditions continue.
Judaism is very important in my family and I hope to pass along all of the traditions to my own family in the future.
Kiddush Cups
USA
my twin brothers
These kiddush cups were given to my twin brothers in 2010 for their B'nai Mitzvah.
They were given to them by our synagogue, Adath Jeshurun.
When I become Bar Mitzvah in 2 years, I look forward to getting one also.
Celebrating Shabbat and holidays are a very important part of Judaism.
On all of these occasions we make kiddush to "sanctify" the day.
Wine is a symbol of joy and help us in adding to the joy of the day.
Tallis/Bag/Kippah
Minnesota
My dad
My great Grandmother needle-pointed the Tallis, Tallis Bag and Kippah. I was close with my Great Grandmother, and it's nice to have things around the house that are from her, and can remind me of her.
The Tallis has the twelve tribes on it. Jewish people wear a Tallis on their bar/bat mitzvah and then every day after that for the morning prayers.