Shabbat
Shabbat is very important to the Jewish people. It is the 4th of the 10 Commandments. We are commanded to rest because God rested after creating the world.
Shabbat has become a time for families to come together and celebrate and to enjoy a festive meal together.
Our artifacts represent Jewish ritual objects that have been used by families on Shabbat. Some of these have fascinating stories behind them.
Ahad Ha'am stated: "More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews."
Candlesticks
Turkey
Elle K
These candlesticks were a gift to my Grammy from one of her good friends, Mrs. Holte. Mrs. Holte and her husband traveled frequently around the world. On a trip to Turkey she found these candlesticks and brought them home for my Grammy because they were so beautiful.
Grammy cherishes them because they make Shabbat so beautiful when she lights the candles.
Light is a symbol of joy. We usher in Shabbat by lighting candles.Shabbat is supposed to be day filled with joy.
We do this on our other holidays as well.
That we we usher in all our special days with light and joy.
''Wine Dripper''
Syria
My parents
We use this wine dripper on Passover.
Every time we use we remember my great grampa, Irving.
He got this from his father who was a Rabbi in Aleppo, Syria.
My grandpa Irving brought this over on a long boat ride when he came to Ellis Island to start his new life in America.
When I see this wine dripper, it reminds
me of the history of our people.
The Jews who now live in America came from many different places, including Aleppo, like my great grandfather.
They brought with them their stories and traditions.
Shabbat Candlesticks
USA and Russia
Great Grandma "GG"
In the 1900's Sally (Great Grandma "GG") and Daryl(Grandmother) and Myrna (Bubby),
lit the Shabbat candles every Shabbat using these candlesticks.
They are special because they belonged to Great Grandma Sally and she has passed away.So has my Grandma Daryl.
I hope that they become mine someday.
Lighting Shabbat candles is a very old Jewish tradition.
I love this tradition as a way of beginning Shabbat.
Shabbat is a very important part of being Jewish.
I hope to light Shabbat candles using these special candlesticks.
Samovar
Russia or Poland
Mom
It was my great great grandmother's. This samovar survived the Holocaust and was passed down to my mom who is named after my great great grandmother.
It is amazing to think that of all the things my ancestors brought with them to America, they brought this. It is so heavy!
It was probably used to make tea for many holidays and special occasions while my family lived in Russia.
It is nice to share holidays and special occasions with family and friends.
This is a Jewish thing to do.
Kiddush Cup
Turkey
my grampa
This Kiddush cup was given to by Grampa Lyle by his Turkish friend.
It was purchased at a bazaar in Turkey.
The story behind it is that it was at one time buried in the desert for safekeeping. It was then refurbished and sold at the bazaar.
It's so cool to have such an interesting Shabbat with which to celebrate Shabbat.
Shabbat and holidays are a very important part of Judaism.
We drink wine on Shabbat, holidays and other festive occasions, because it is a symbol of joy.
Wine Fountain
USA
Mom
We bought this fountain because my family and I wanted something pretty for Shabbat and something that could last a long time.
We also wanted something that we could use when we had company.
In my family, the oldest gets to pour the wine or juice.
It's pretty and it's also fun to use.
I hope it becomes mine someday
Shabbat is a very special day, and that's why we use our most beautiful things to celebrate.
Ahad Ha'am stated "more than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews."
I hope that we have Shabbat forever and ever.