Every day family life
Jewish life centers around the family. There is so much value in a home filled with joy, warmth, values and light. The items in this gallery highlight every day occurances and events of the past.
Violin
Johannesburg
My grandmother
My great grandmother was an amazing violinist. She played for King George when he came to South Africa who was so impressed with her playing that he asked her to come with him to England. Her father, however, didn't allow her to go because he thought that there wasn't kosher food there. She then got offered to go to Zimbabwe to be in a choir. Her Dad allowed her to go on condition that she would stay with the Rabbi. It was true Divine-providence that she went to Zimbabwe as she met her husband there. If not for this violin and my great grandmothers talent and passion for music, I wouldn't be alive today.
It is amazing to see how much the family cared about their Judaism, and I am so proud to be a descendent of such special people. I hope that I will always continue to live as a proud and happy Jew.
Samovar
Russia probably Nizhni-Novogrod
My maternal grandmother Ruth Fait (nee Seeff)
My ancestors came from Krakanowa in Lithuania. During the First World War, Jews from here were evacuated and exiled to Russia. The samovar was bought in about 1916 while my ancestors were in exile. When my great great-grandparents came to South Africa in 1935, they bought it with them. My great-grandfather, Morris S., inherited the samovar from his parents and modernised it by fitting it with an electric element. In 1967, he gave it to my granny Ruth who keeps it on her sideboard and uses it on special occasions.
This samovar stands for survival in hard times.Its beauty and usefulness has provided the family with warmth and sustenance. It has been a shining light of hope and new beginnings. Now in its old age it stands proudly as a symbol of our family's history and strength.
Button Box
Russia
My mom
When my great granny saw this button box, she felt there was something special about it and so she bought it. My granny and great granny used it to store the buttons they needed for knitting jerseys. It has been in my family for 4 generations. My mom has given it to me to give to my children when I'm older.
Besides for the fact that this box links me to my ancestors, I also think that there's something lovely about the fact that it is connected to acts of chessed -to make items to keep people warm. I hope that I will also be able to always create and provide warmth for my family and those around me.
Digital watch
S.A.
My dad
My Dad got this watch for his bar-mitzvah so that he would count every special time in his life. It is also special becuase it is one of the first digital watches in S.A.
This watch is significant to me because it teaches us that every second counts and we should not waste special moments.
Samovar
Russia
Ella - Granny
A samovar is heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water in and around Russia. Since the heated water is usually used for making tea, many samovars have a ring-shaped attachment seated around the chimney to hold and heat a teapot filled with tea concentrate. Though traditionally heated with coal or charcoal, many newer samovars use electricity and heat water in a similar manner as an electric water boiler. Antique samovars are often displayed for their beautiful workmanship.
This samovar was one of the few items my grandparents could bring with them from Lithuania to South Africa. They brought this, as well as candle sticks. This samovar reminds me of the journeys of the past. The samovar is also significant because it is an object which provides warmth and as Jews we strive to create warmth and light wherever we go.
JUV Hichery Wooden Shaft Golf Clubs
Scotland
Great Granny Jane C
These were the very first golf clubs that my great granny used when she started playing golf at the Transvaal Automobile Club (Johannesburg - South Africa) together with her husband.
The Transvaal Automobile Club (TAC) and golf has been a very important part of the Cohen family. My great grandparents got married there, were members for over 60 years and even played golf with the great Gary Player. My grandparents and parents also got married there, play golf there and have celebrated many simchas at the club.
Gold coins
England
Benny G.
My great grandfather gave the gold coins to my grandfather who gave them to my father. One day he will give them to me.
The coins are British sovereign coins and are worth as much as they weigh, but that does not matter. The coin means so much to my family because it has been passed down for 3 generations and will never stop being passed down.
The Old Pearl
Florida, USA
My grandmother
When my great gran got married, her husband gave her a pearl as a gift, and this pearl has been passed down in the family.
The significance to my gamily is that it has been passed down as a family heirloom and it is very special to us.
G. Boley Highly specialized set of watch repair tools
Lithuania
My grandfather
My great grandfather arrived as an immigrant to South Africa from Lithuania in the late 1920's. He took up employment in Parys, Orange Free State as a watch repairer. After he got married, they moved to Springs where he established a shop to carry on his trade and sell other merchandise.
This is the main artifact that our family has dating back to my great grandfather and keeps his memory alive for us. It has great sentimental value and links us to our history. It is also a symbol of his proactive approach to life as he started a new life and job. Throughout the ages, Jews have acted with strength and courage as they faced changes, and my grandfather is an example of such a person.
Piano
Aberdeen in the Cape
My gran
This piano originally belonged to Esther G. who died when she was 54. My great grandmother, Muriel G. would play this piano every Sunday. She also inherited Esther G.'s sheet-music. When my grandmother and great-uncle were old enough, they started playing this piano too. My great uncle, Billy G. still plays today. I also played the piano when I was in Grade 1. When I play this piano I remember my great grandmother whom I only knew for a short time.
This piano is significant because it has been in my family for generations and every one in each generation played the piano which is over 100 years old. It is an heirloom which I will hopefully give to my children one day. It is an artifact which has sounded music through my generations and is a symbol of joy and light.