1972 - Present Day
The items in this gallery come from around the world. Most were given as gifts to our families and are important to our family histories.
Menorah
Unknown
Mom
This menorah was given to my mom in the early 1980's as a Hannukah gift.This is important to my mother because her mother gave it to her and she was then able to start a new tradition. It is also important to me because we use it for every Hannukah, and lighting the candles is important to me.
This menorah signifies the tradition of lighting the candles on Hannukah. It shows significance to the jewish heritage because lighting candles is a big part of the celebration.
Kiddush Cup
Israel
My Dad (Carey K.)
The kiddush cup was given to my dad from an elder in the family for his bar mitzvah and he used it at his wedding. This kiddush cup has a lot of meaning and so many memories.
The significance of the kiddush cup is that it was used both at my dad's Bar Mitzvah and at my parent's wedding.
Naturalization Certificate
The US Government
My Dad
My dad came to the US in 1978 from Kiev, Ukraine. He settled in Rochester, New York and lived there until he graduated from medical school. He first became a US citizen in 1984.
This certificate symbolizes the beginning of my dad's new life. In the Soviet Union Jews were heavily persecuted, so when my dad moved to the United States, he could have religious and other freedoms.
Microwave Oven
NA
NA
My grandfather was the first importer of microwave ovens in the US. The microwaves were manufactured in Japan and my grandfather and his friend Art Friedman started a chain of appliance stores in California called Friedman's.
This microwave oven was part of the family business that enabled my grandparents to contribute to many Jewish causes including Hadassah and the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living.
Kiddush Cup
United States Of America
Andrea N.-W. /Marc W.
My grandmother and grandfather got my parents this kiddush cup as a special gift for their wedding day so that they would have one of their own for their family. My parents don't use it very often, but it is still a special memory. This artifact is significant to my family because this kiddush cup was used to hold wine on my parent's wedding day. It is significant because my parents can remember their special day, September 19, 1998, by looking at this meaningful kiddush cup.
This kiddush cup is used during Jewish weddings to celebrate marriages. When the bride and groom are being congratulated and formally announced husband and wife, kiddush cups are filled with wine as everybody yells, "Mazel Tov!" It is a special cup that is very memorable whenever people look at it.