1946 - 1971
The artifacts in this gallery range from decorative, to hobby related and include war memorabilia. They come from countries around the world and have been in our families for more than 50 years.
Earrings
Israel
Ella Z.
My great grandparents, on my father's side, lived in many countries such as Poland, Germany and Russia before they came to Israel. They never had any jewelry or any special belongings because they had to move so often. My great grandfather promised my great grandmother that when they got to Israel he would buy her something very special. When they arrived in early 1948, he saved every penny and bought her these earrings for her birthday. She never took them off until she died over 50 years later. Recently, my sister received these earrings for her bat mitzvah.
The significance of these earrings is symbolic. They represent my great grandparent's love for one another, but also that they finally arrived in Israel and were sure they would remain there. It was also not long after the war and they probably felt relieved to have a homeland to settle in. It is also very important because Israel gained it's independence in 1948.
Jewish Bible (Tanach)
Israel
Linda C.
This artifact was given to my mother Leslie by her mother (Linda C.), and was originally brought back from Jerusalem, Israel by my great grandparents, Helen and Zellie C. My great grandparents were world travelers and collectors of fine art and other special items. Among these was this large, ornately decorated (and illustrated) version of a "Jewish Bible" (Tanach), two of which were purchased in the old city during one of their trips as a gift for both of their daughters (my grandmother Linda and Great Aunt Lois. Each daughter also received a smaller version of this same style of holy scriptures to have as a collection (My grandma still has the smaller version in her bedroom displayed on her night stand).
The significance of this artifact lies in the fact that this Tanach was lovingly handed down from generation to generation and has become a treasured piece for my mother in her own home for over 20 years. Another important fact is that when this Tanach was received as a gift by my grandmother, Linda, she had never traveled to Israel herself, so she cherished this Tanach as a piece that connected my grandma with her Jewish heritage. Finally, it was my great grandparents who took my mom and their other two granddaughters on their first and only trip to Israel when my mother was 16 years old (summer of 1981).
Pendant
South America
Gail Z. (mom)
This pendant was created for my Bubbe in the early 1950's. Within the crest is a Jewish Star that has a diamond in the center and a symbol representing the tablets of the 10 commandments, held within the shape of a heart. When my Bubbe was a young girl, she received the original version of this special and unique piece of jewelry from her Aunt Clara. My great, great aunt helped with the design and commissioned the pendant to be crafted for my Bubbe.
This piece of jewelry was so important to my family that my Bubbe had copies made of the pendant and gave them to my Aunt Sheryl and my mom. My mom received her copy of this precious charm when she was 16 years old. It was a very difficult time in her life as my grandfather (AKA Poppy) was very ill and about to undergo a very serious surgery and he could have died. My mom tells me that she got the necklace the night before his surgery so that she could pray with it and wear it close to her heart while she waited to hear if her father survived. (He did!) The pendant is also very special to my mom.
Picture of Igud Yotsei Sin (Organization of Jews from China and the Far East
Tel Aviv, Israel
My Grandmother
My great-grandfather was very involved in establishing this community center in Tel Aviv. It was named in his honor because of the work that he did to fund the Igud Yotsei Sin and make the center a reality. One purpose of this organization is to preserve the heritage of the Jews of the Far East. Additionally, this organization gives social aide, scholarships, and publishes a bulletin to keep its members in touch.
This organization helps preserve the history of the Jews who lived in the Far East. The Igud Yotsei Sin was established in Tel Aviv in 1967; but the organization of Jews from the Far East existed in Los Angeles and New York
Lieutenant Badge/Pin from Israeli Army
Israel
Abner B. - Paternal Grandfather
I am a proud Israeli! The fact that my grandfather was in the Israeli Army and fought in the 1956-1957 Israel vs. Eygpt war makes me very proud. He fought for his country and what he believed in. My father was also in the Israeli Army. Maybe when I turn 18 years old I will go to Israel and join the Army like my grandfather, father, uncles and cousins. I'm looking forward to carrying on the family tradition.
My grandfather was a Lieutenant in the Israeli Army and this is the pin that all officers received. They wore it daily on the lapel of their uniform to show their rank/status. My grandfather was very proud that he rose amongst the ranks in the army to that of Lieutenant. It made him proud to be recognized for his service, dedication and commitment to Israel.
Roberta's Sign
Napa, California
David M.
This sign was made from the glass storefront of my great grandmother's clothing store in Napa. She owned and operated it for 50 years.
My great grandmother, in having this store that she ran as a single woman, was a wonderful role model for Jewish shopkeepers.
Stamp collection
Europe
Grandmother
My Great Grandfather, who was a Holocaust surviver, collected stamps from around the world for over 30 years. Now he passed it down through the generations for us to explore and enjoy.
Many of the stamps that were collected were from Israel and Europe, and commemorate the Jewish religion.