Treasured Items
Table Cloth
Russia
Gert S.'s paternal great grandmother, Leah, immigrated to America around 1905 because of anti-Semitism and persecutions. There were a lot of persecutions between 1903-1906 killing about 1,000 Jews and destroying their homes. Persecutions were called pogroms, and they were very violent. Leah carried with her from Russia this beautiful tablecloth. Leah immigrated to America as a young girl.
For Gert’s bat mitzvah, her second cousins, Jeff and Debby S., wanted her to have the tablecloth because Gert was named in memory of her great grandmother Leah. The tablecloth must have been used for many family holidays because it has a lot of stains on it. It was Gert’s most special gift for her bat mitzvah. Gert is proud that she is named in memory of her great grandma Leah. All of the members of the S. family expressed that Leah was a quick witted, feisty, friendly & a fun-loving woman. Leah was also a very beautiful woman. Gert will always cherish this gift.
Gert will always cherish this gift.
Cub Scout Pins
Brooklyn, New York
Stuart G, Ariel G’s paternal grandfather, was in the Cub Scouts and later the Boy Scouts in Brooklyn, New York. He was a Cub Scout from 1949-1950 and a Boy Scout in 1951.These are some of his important badges and ornaments, along with his bandana. In the Cub Scouts, he was taught discipline and how to help others. He got many merit badges as a Boy Scout for excellence in canoeing and boating & shooting a rifle. He also received a woodworking badge for making a bow and arrows and earned archery badge, hiking, and taking care of pets. He learned to march in unison and salute, and learned songs such as the Star Spangled Banner. Additionally, they were taught how to work together, such as when building things like a race cart made out of an orange cart. They also played sports like softball, basketball and dodge ball. During the holidays the Cub Scouts acted as school crossing guards, so younger children would be safe crossing the street. Once a kid was bitten by a snake, and the counselor caught the snake and said it wasn't poisonous. They found the den and poured concrete over it.
These are some personal stories Ariel has learned about his grandfather.
Two Wooden Dolls
turkey
These two wooden dolls are from Ron C’s paternal great grandfather, Shlomo. Shlomo became friends with Isaac, who had immigrated to Turkey from the Holocaust. Before Shlomo had left to Israel to make an Aliyah, Isaac gave the two wooden dolls to Shlomo to remember their friendship. Shlomo had passed down the dolls to his son, Abraham, and he had passed it down to his son, Shlomo.
Now they are standing with pride in their living room.
Candles and Plaque
Austria
Ellis Island plaque and Shabbos candle set belonged to Molly's maternal great grandmother, Mollie. In 1932 Mollie, along with 4 other siblings (Jack, Bertha, Gertie , and Nat) and their mother all traveled to America. They were originally from Austria. Since they could only take a few of their prized possessions, Mollie’s mother decided to take her Shabbos candles that she would light every Friday night. Mollie was only 7 years old when she took this journey. On the way to America there were a lot of sick people, and Mollie would go around the boat giving out medicine and food. When Mollie and her family saw the Statue of Liberty, they had such a warm feeling inside. After arriving to Ellis Island, Mollie’s name changed from Matel to Mollie. As they were going through to see if they were healthy enough to go into America, Mollie’s brother Jack was labeled with an x on his back by the doctor. However, Mollie’s mother decided to wipe it off when the doctor was not looking.
Molly is so happy that she now shares the name with her great grandmother who traveled through Ellis Island and started a new life in America.
Baseball Glove
U.S.A.
Jacob G’s maternal grandfather’s favorite Bar Mitzvah present was a right fielder’s baseball glove. Jacob’s grandfather’s friend gave him this glove, and it was what Jacob’s grandfather wished for. After all these years, he still oils it monthly, and keeps it wrapped up with a ball inside so the pocket stays intact.
Jacob still plays catch with his grandfather using this glove today.
Walking Stick
Hungary
Ariel S’s maternal great grandfather, David L, carved this wooden walking stick. David lived in Hungary until 1956. At that time, he had to escape the Hungarian Revolution against the Russians. David had trouble walking and loved carving. As a result, he combined these two elements of his life and carved walking sticks. This walking stick is the only one the S family has from when he left Hungary.
As of now, this walking stick belongs to Ariel’s grandmother, but he hopes he will have it one day.
Sewing Kit
Dallas Texas
Abigail N’s maternal great grandmother, Sara owned these sewing kits. She and her husband Simon owned a dress shop in Ohio called The Smart Shop. Sara tailored outfits for people. She also made clothing for dolls for her three daughters and cooking aprons for herself. Sara was very creative and talented. In each outfit she made, there was always one of her unique buttons. This sewing kit means a lot to Abigail because she shares Sara’s creativity.
This sewing kit will be treasured by the N family.
Brownie Camera
Brooklyn, NY
Do you think an optometrist would make a good photographer? Isaac’s maternal grandfather, Dr. Seymour O, owned a Brownie camera in his early twenties. He enjoyed taking pictures of himself and his family, and experimenting with different lights and angles for the photos. This inspired him to become an optometrist after graduating YU. His understanding of the human eye helped him when he started buying more complicated cameras. These cameras required more attachments, such as telephoto lenses and various flashes. He was the family photographer at every event. He took pictures of Isaac’s mother and her brothers and of all his grandchildren. Sadly, he passed away before Isaac was born so he never photographed Isaac. This camera is now in possession of Isaac’s mother, Sharon.
This camera will always be cherished by the M family because Seymour cherished it himself.
Stamp Book
United States
Max M's maternal grandfather, Simon S, started collecting stamps shortly after immigrating to the United States. He and his sister were the only ones from their immediate family to survive the Holocaust. Simon tried to keep in touch with many relatives from different countries by sending letters to them. As they exchanged letters, Simon always tore off the stamps and kept them.
Simon was happy that he was able to focus on a hobby while mourning the loss of family members.