Jewish Celebrations
These items represent our family traditions. They are used daily and on special occasions, including holidays and life cycle events
Tallit
Brooklyn, New York
Brother
My grandfather was presented his tallit for his Bar Mitzvah in 1945. The tallit was owned by my grandfather until a few years ago when he gave it to his daughter (my mother). For my brother's Bar Mitzvah he was presented with the same tallit.
A tallit usually means that you have become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. A tallit is used when you are reading Torah. I chose this artifact because it is important to our tradition and because my grandfather gave it to my mom.
Seder Plate
Israel
Nancy L.
This seder plate, from Israel, was a wedding present from my great grandma, Bertha H., to my grandparents, Steve and Sandy D., when they got married in 1960. My grandma bought it from them in Israel earlier that year when she made her first and only trip to Israel. My grandparents used that seder plate at many seders, many of which I remember. And my great grandma, who lived to be 100 years old, was there for many of them with me. Sadly, my great grandma, and my grandma, both died in 2008. I love to think about them and remember our seders together. My grandpa, Steve, is still alive and well, and has given the seder plate to my mom, who is now the maker of our Passover seders. She uses the seder plate and we talk about it, and how it has been passed down through the generations. Someday I will be using that seder plate when it becomes my turn to prepare our family's annual Passover seder.
My artifact is significant because it helps to maintain our family ties and connections, and just looking at it brings to my memory so many wonderful times with my grandma and great grandma who are no longer with us. When we talk about them and our past seders, it helps us to keep our memories of them alive and well in our hearts and our brains. I want to be able to do that so that when I have my own children someday, they will have a sense of who these wonderful women are, and where they come from. It is also significant that this plate is originally from Israel, as I have never been there, but it is my goal to go some day.
Great, Great Grandmother's Candlesticks
Chernovitz, Austro-Hungary
Mother
These candlesticks were made in Austro-Hungary somewhere between 1840 and 1890. Purchased by or given to my great, great grandmother, they were passed down to my great, great aunt, who brought them to Philadelphia through Ellis Island, then given to my grandmother. Finally about 20 years ago my grandmother gave them to my mother, and now they are used every Friday night for Shabbat.
These candlesticks have held Shabbat candles for over 5 generations. Candlelight is often thought of as a reminder of God's presence. Candles lit on Shabbat serve as reminders that the occasion is holy and distinct from our daily lives. The two candles lit on Shabbat also serve as a reminder of the biblical requirements to "remember" and "keep" the Sabbath.
Shabbat Candlesticks
Israel
my mom
These Shabbat candlesticks are significant to my family because they have been in use for at least my entire life. My mom received these candlesticks for her Bat Mitzvah from the temple her family belonged to. They were used for my brother's Bar Mitzvah & will be used for mine too.
These candlesticks are signigicant to Jewish Heritage because it is a commandment to light Shabbat candles on Shabbat.
Shabbat Candlesticks
Israel
Ran S.
My great grandmother bought these candlesticks and gave them to my parents in 1997. These candlesticks are important to my family because they remind us of my Safta Sara, who passed away just after my parents arrived in America.
These candlesticks are important to Jewish heritage because they are part of the ceremony of lighting Shabbat candles. On them, they have a Jewish star, which is important in Jewish history and religion.