Family Time
A miscellany of objects from our sacred and secular lives.
Spice Box
Lichtenau, Germany
Toby Helfenstein
This was handed down from my great-grandma to her mother and then to my mother, Toby Helfenstein. It was my great-great-grandpa who was a Rabbi in Lichtenau, Germany. He filled it with sweet smelling herbs and brought it home for everyone to smell and therefore whoever smelled it would have a sweet and happy week. When my great-grandma had to escape Germany from Hitler this was one of the few things she brought with her.
This is a connection to my Jewish past.
Passover Dishes
Brookland
Lori K
These plates were passed down from generation to generation, from great-grandmother, to grandmother to my mother. My grandmother, Carol Greifer remembers that when she was a little girl these dishes were used only for Passover.
This shows how the story of Passover and its practice is passed down from generation to generation.
Bell with Mallet
Russia or Europe
Amy A
This is one of the few items that my great grandmother kept with her during the war.
It is important to my family because it is a treasure from the past.
Noah's Ark Music Box
China
Julia F
I was born on May 12th, 2001 in White Plains Hospital. A family friend gave me this figurine of Noah’s Ark, with a quotation form the bible “and the animals came two by two…..” It is also a music box and plays "It's a Small Small World".
This figurine commemorates when I was born, as well as connecting me to Jewish history.
Mah Jong Set
Brooklyn, NY
Bubby Pearl
When my great-grandmother died, my mother Robin K kept the Mah-Jong set as a fond remembrance because her grandmother had a weekly game with her friends for many years. She thought that friendships with her women friends were very important and despite their kids, husband and home responsibilities this took place weekly.
They talked about both fun and serious things. They would also have food and cookies.
Magen David
Israel
Brian D
My father, Brian D, was on a teen tour of Israel. He wanted a Star of David, so he found a jeweler and bought one.
As a teenager visiting Israel for the first time, my father felt a connection to Israel and Judaism and purchased the Magen David, which according to the midrash was the device on King David’s shield – two interlocking triangles.
It has a sentimental value for my dad, and symbolizes a closeness to God.
Pidyon Haben Coins
USA
Max G
My grandpa, Arthur Selby Mintz gave me the five silver coins from his Pidyon HaBen ceremony in 1945 for my Pidyon HaBen 55 years later.
His father had purchased them from a coin dealer in 1945. According to the Book of Exodus the first born male of a mother belongs to God and must be redeemed from temple service by the payment of 5 silver coins to a priest (Koheyn).
The coins, silver dollars that are legal tender in the USA, were passed down in the family and twice used for the same purpose at a Pidyon HaBen. Now they are framed and hang on a wall in our house.
Matzah Cover and Photograph
Vienna, Austria
Susan Cotton B
My great-great-great grandma Sarah made this herself as a sampler and my family used it every year for Passover until very recently when my grandparents framed it. It has wine stains all over because Sarah used to dip her finger in the wine and dab her finger onto the cover.
It has been passed down for four generations and was used for three generations before we framed it to preserve it.