Jewish Ritual Items
In this gallery, you will find items that are used on Jewish holidays. Some examples of objects include kiddush cups, menorahs, candlesticks, and tallit bags. All of the items have a story to tell about a person's Jewish heritage. The objects represent the Jewish way of living and perpetuate Jewish traditions.
Elijah Kiddush Cup
Ohio
Catherine B
My parents got this Kiddush cup for their wedding. It was a gift to them. We have used it during our Passover seder.
It shows their Judaism and their love for each other. By using it during our Passover seder we are continuing Jewish traditions.
Dreidel
New York
Mom
The significance of this artifact to my family is that my mom got it after she converted to Judaism; someone gave it to her.
The significance to Jewish Heritage is that if you are not Jewish you can convert to Judaism and participate in its traditions such as playing dreidel.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
Jerusalem, Israel
Marsha S. G.
This is important to our family because it was from my great grandmother Bubs who passed away two years ago, and because we all LOVE Channukah. She got it at a shuk in Jerusalem and even though we had about a thousand more dreidels at home, she wanted to buy this one because it was so pretty. It was and is the official family dreidel and we use it every Channukah.
This is important to Jewish heritage because it is a dreidel. It has been in the family for three generations and it is used by us every Channukah.
Kiddush Cup
Poland
Jeff P.
It was brought to America by my great grandparents and it was given to their son, my grandpa. My grandpa gave it to my dad for his Bar Mitzvah.
It is very valuable and has been passed on for many generations. Now it is an important part of our Passover seder. It will be given to me at my Bar Mitzvah so I can continue my family's Jewish traditions.
Kiddush cup
Russia
Lois G.
This kiddish cup was given to my grandmother by her grandfather. He brought it with him from Russia to the United States.
The cup is very important to my family because it has been passed down through the generations and a lot of people in my family have one.
Challah cover
Spain
mother and father
My great great great great grandmother sewed this cover during hard times when people were insulting and offending the Jews.
My family has been using the cover and passing it from generation to generation. It reminds us to be thankful for all the people who fought for Jewish rights and risked their lives for us.
Candelabra
Amsterdam, Holland
Joel S.
My artifact was owned by Sarah Vanderborg in the 1800's. Her parents made her take the Candelabra to the United States so she knew her Jewish roots. She always took it for Shabbat. She passed it down to her kids and now it is with me in my home.
My artifact is important to my family and Jewish heritage because it has been passed down from generation to generation and it has a lot of history behind it.
Jordan's Special Menorah
NYC
Jordan G.
This menorah is the first Jewish item I ever made.
This menorah is the first Jewish item I made.
Kiddush Cup - Josh A.
Unknown
My Dad
My mother and sister gave this to my dad for Chanukah
It’s tradition to use this cup at our family Shabbat celebrations.
Seder Plate
Roslyn, New York
My grandma
This artifact was passed down by my grandmother. It belonged to my Uncle Doug who perished in the World Trade Center so our Grandmother passed it down to my family. It is very special to us.
This is very special because it brings back memories of our Uncle Doug when we use it on Passover.
Hanukkah Menorah
Eastern Europe
My mom (Faith C.)
This Menorah means a lot to my family because it was my mom's grandmother's and they would use it for Hanukkah. Then when my great grandmother died, my mom brought it home for us to use. Then it became a tradition for us to use the Menorah on Hanukkah.
This Menorah was meant for especially my family to use on this special holiday.
Candlesticks
New York
my mom
The candlesticks belonged to my great grandma Sadie. She used them on every holiday and now she gave them to my mom and we use them every holiday.
My family uses them every Shabbat.
Menorah - Caroline S.
USA
My Aunt
When I was born my aunt gave me a menorah and we use it almost every Chanukah. My Aunt made one for all of my siblings.
My Aunt made it for me and every time I use the menorah it is with my family.
Candlesticks - Frankie F.
Cold Spring, NY
Great great grandma
They are very old and special to my family.
They were made in my great great uncle’s shop given to my great great grandmother and when she passed away they were given to my mother.
Tallit - Justin B
USA
My father’s grandfather gave him this tallit. Once a week on Sundays, my father traveled from Brooklyn and Queens to see his grandfather on the Upper East Side and my father loved that routine and the relationship that he developed with his grandfather. My great great grandfather was the one who took my father to temple and who led all the seders so when my family sees this tallit, we think of him with pride.
My father and mother used this tallit at their wedding. Of course, that was one of the most important days in my dad’s life and he was extremely glad that they were able to use the tallit for something as significant as their wedding.
Menorah
New York/Eastern Europe
My Mom, Nancy J.
My ancestors used it. They were from Eastern Europe, Russia, Poland, and England.
My ancestors used it throughout their lives and traveling.
Honey Dish - Matthew and Sam D.
Unknown
Parent
It was given from a friend of my great grandparents.
Tallit Bag
Russia/America
Grandfather
The story of my artifact starts with my great-great grandpa moving from Russia to America. This was because of religious persecution. He passed it down in my family. The tallit bag was one item that made it safely to America.
This artifact is special to my family because it is a valued item that is passed down in my family.
My Kiddush Cup
New York
My cup
My grandfather bought this Kiddush cup and got it engraved for me when I was born. He gave it to my parents at my bris.
I got it when I was born. It also means a lot to me because my grandpa gave it to me near the time I was born.
The Living Museum is a project of the Education Department of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
The Living Museum is made possible through the generous support of The Covenant Foundation. The statements made and the views
expressed, however, are solely the responsibility of the grantee.