Religious Observance
These artifacts are used for religious observance of Shabbat and other Jewish holidays.
Shofar
Unknown Origin
Father
This shofar was blown in synagogue by my father, the late Rabbi Morris M. Tosk. It was also blown in synagogue at the end of Yom Kippur, 1976, by myself, Morah Shari. At that time, my father was too ill to attend services, and there was no one else willing or able to blow the shofar for Ne'ilah.
In biblical days, the shofar was blown for many reasons. It was used to announce the new month and to call the Israelites together. It was also used to announce messages from their leaders, and to warn of impending dangers. Nowadays, the shofar is blown on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. It symbolizes Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to demonstrate his devotion to G-d.
Rosh Hashana Honey Holder Set
Israel
my mother, Galia M.
This Rosh Hashanah Honey Holder set consists of a round silver base with three tiny legs which hold it up off the table about a half inch. It is decorated with the words "flowers" and "Sweet New Year" in Hebrew. Then there is a crystal pot that fits into the base. Around the top of the crystal pot, there are bubble like decorations made of the glass. There is also a small silver cover which fits on top keeping the honey fresh.
This crystal honey pot was given to my mother by my grandmother. This piece was sold in an art gallery that was in the same town where my mom grew up.
This honey set enhances our tradition of dipping the apples into honey on Rosh Hashanah. It reflects on Israeli art and ancient honey dishes. Whatever can be used to make the holiday table more beautiful was used and is special to us today.
Golden Siddur
Burdujew, Romania
My father
My great-grandmother got this Siddur as a gift from her cousin because they were not allowed to bring religious items out of Communist Romania. Then, when she was older, she gave this Siddur to my grandmother. Now it belongs to my dad. While inspecting the Siddur, I noticed a very interesting inscription from my great-grandmother's cousin. I am the fifth generation to hold this Siddur.
This Siddur reminds me of my Jewish heritage from generation to generation. It shows how far back my heritage goes, and from how many countries my family has been!
Candle Holder
Israel
My mom, Galia
This silver candle holder has a round base with a silver stem. It looks like a tree and has five branches for five candles. There are five candles for the five people in my family. We use this candle holder every Shabbat and Yom Tov.
This silver candle holder was left to my mom in my great-grandfather's will. He was working as an accountant and my grandmother was working in a clothing store. It was very important to have a beautiful and respectable candle holder for Shabbat and Yom Tov. It was difficult to save money back then, but my great-grandfather was able to buy this magnificent candle-holder.
Kiddush Cup
Brooklyn
Grandma Fran
This silver Kiddush cup has a little zig zag design around the outer top rim. The year 1954 and what looks like the word Yisrael in Hebrew are hammmered into the side.
When my grandmother was a little girl, many girls did not have a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. My grandma had to go to Hebrew school because her mom was a single mom and worked full time. So she was allowed to go to Hebrew school. When my grandmother was 13 years old, she was presented with this Kiddush cup. This was the same gift they gave the boys. My grandmother had a small Bat Binah ceremony when girls usually did not have one. So this is very special to my family because it is a symbol of that day.
Kiddush Cup
Russia
from Yittle
This silver Kiddush cup has an etching of a small village on one side. It is a little dented in places because it is very old. A Kiddush cup is used to say the blessing over wine on Shabbat and holidays. It is also used at many life cycle events, such as a wedding or brit milah.
When my great-great-grandfather Yittle came from Russia to America, he could only take a few things with him. He brought the things that were most important to him, such as this Kiddush cup. This was a very valuable object to my great-great-grandpa because it was one of the few things he brought over from Russia. This makes it very special to my family.
Passover Kiddush Cup
U.S.A.
Ruben G.
This Kiddush cup is made of blue glass. It looks like it comes from a mold with diamond and fan shaped cut decorations. It also has a little handle.
When my great-great-grandfather Ruben came to America with his family, it was around Passover time. The family needed another Kiddush cup for him and his brother, so they bought this blue glass Kiddush cup. My family keeps this artifact as a keepsake.
Tanach
Israel
Ruben & Florence G.
This beautiful artifact is a holy book covered in silver metal. It is decorated with turquoise stones, an enamel painted crown, and two tablets representing the Ten Commandments. The book has a silk bookmark. This artifact is displayed upright on a beautiful stand, also made of metal with a crown and Star of David at the top. The Tanach consists of the Five Books of Moses, and K'tuvim (Writings) and Nevi'im (Prophets).
My great grandparents used to go to Israel often. One year, they brought back a Tanach for my great Aunt Rose. When my great Aunt Rose was sick and in a nursing home, we were cleaning out her apartment. My grandparents took the Tanach, and later gave it to my parents. Now it is proudly displayed on a shelf in our home.
Kiddush Cup
Israel
My dad
This artifact is a bronze colored metal Kiddush cup with a thick round base. On the top of the base, there is an enamel painted Star of David and dots all around the six points. There is a skinny stem with two rings around the middle that opens up to the cup. The cup part is painted a beautiful blue-green color. The words "Boray P'ri Hagafen" are painted in both black block letters and golden script. There is also a bunch of grapes with grape leaves painted on the side of the cup. The very top rim of the cup is gold. Inside sits a glass cup for the wine.
My dad got this Kiddush cup when he had his Bar Mitzvah in Brooklyn. It was given to him by the Rabbi of the Temple. We use it for Shabbat and other holidays and special occasions. We are saving this cup to be passed down to the first grandson in the family.