Holidays
The artifacts in this gallery were used during Jewish holidays. They were mainly used during Chanukah and Shabbat. Many of them involve light and Jewish tradition. These objects give a sense of peace and calm. They represent important moments in the history of our people - whether the completion of the creation of the world on Shabbat, or the miracle of the oil lamp on Chanukah. During the holidays we feel a connection to our Jewish heritage, as these objects connect our families to Jewish history.
Candlesticks
Sweden
Ilana M.
A foreign exchange student from Sweden brought presents for Ilana. One of the presents was a set of candlesticks. It is a replica of the candlesticks used by Swedish ship captains and she was very involved with shipping.
They are Shabbat candlesticks, and are used weekly to show how important the Sabbath is to the Jewish people.
Grandma Karen's Miniature Menorah
Israel
Karen C. M.
My grandmother's father, Seymor Shultz, gave this to my grandmother when she was 19. She had already seen it in a store and liked it, so her dad got it for her. she lived in the Bronx at this time, and this was purchased in a store in the Bronx. The Bronx had a large Jewish population when she was a kid.
My grandmother was raised Jewishly and she wanted to follow through with the tradition of lighting candle on a menorah on Hanukkah.
My Grandparents' First Menorah
Israel
David R. M.
My grandparents, Karen and David M., had gotten married and the only menorah they had was a miniature menorah that required birthday candles. So they decided to get a menorah for themselves. They bought this menorah in Pelham parkway together in 1964.
My grandparents were both raised Jewish, and they wanted to be a Jewish family. The tradition of lighting candles on Hanukkah isn't possible without the menorah, so it is significant because it shows that they are Jewish.
Menorah
Israel
Jan S.
My mother went to Israel in 1983 to visit her sister who was in High School in Haifa. While in Israel she purchased this Menorah because it was modern looking. It is a favorite of ours. My Mom has a small collection of Menorahs.
This menorah is used annually during the Hannukah celebration in our home.