Decorative
Our families have worn or displayed these objects. Some were gifts and others have been handed down through the generations. They help us learn about our heritage.
Family Photo
Vilna, Russia
Linda K (mom)
This photograph was given to us by my grandmother. It portrays my great-great grandfather, his wife, and most of their children. They lived in Vilna and Minsk, Russia. The significance to my family is the people that the picture displays. They are my ancestors.
This picture depicts my Russian Jewish ancestors. They are on the Jewish side of my family and are the living history of some of the Ashkenazic Jews.
Grandma's Mezuzah
Unknown
My Father
To our family this artifact is a protector of our household and a great example of what my great grandparent's believed in. It is a protector to our home because it is a Hamza in a mezuzah on our front door.
This artifact is a mezuzah that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. The first ones in my family to have possession of this artifact were my great grandparents on my father's side. It has been nailed to the doorpost of every house for each generation since my great grandparents house in 1950
Mezuzah
Israel
Shelly F.
This mezuzah case and scroll belonged to my great-grandparents and was on the doorpost of my grandfather's home when he was a child. My grandfather gave this mezuzah to my father before I was born. It is important to our family because it is an example of our faith and heritage being passed down through generations.
A mezuzah is a small piece of parchment paper in a case with verses from the Torah written on it, including the prayer the Shema. A mezuzah is placed on the front door and other doorways in a Jewish home. Seeing a mezuzah when we go through a doorway reminds us to think of G-d often each day.
Jewish Pendant
Israel
My mom Andrea B.
This Jewish pendant was given to my mom after my Great grandma died. Mary and her family, who live in Canada, were members of a synagogue their whole lives. She liked to wear Jewish jewelry and was part of many Jewish organizations. A relative purchased this for my Great grandma, while in Israel. It translates to "If we love we won't get old." It is a symbol of what kind of person my Great grandma was, a caring, loving person.
This Jewish pendant is a symbol of hope and love for Israel and life. Although Mary never traveled to Israel she was a true supporter. And shows her support and love by donation and through her jewelry. "If you love you won't get old." It is an old Jewish saying that she believed in and practiced. It shows that no matter how far you are from Israel you are still a part of it.
Eskimo Art
Canada
Mom
This Eskimo art was given to my mother by her Canadian relatives. My relatives often collected Canadian Eskimo art. The importance of this artifact to my family is that it symbolizes our Canadian heritage.
The Jews have respect for other cultures, and collecting original Canadian art is showing how we value other cultures.