Treasured Items
Seashell
Austria
Dylan S brought this seashell for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This seashell has a very special story. It once belonged to Samuel S, the paternal great grandfather of Dylan S. He attended the first Zionist Congress for Israel. They gave each person who attended one of these seashells to remember the symbolic day. This is so significant to Dylan’s family because this was really the start of their Zionist roots. Also, it is significant because Dylan’s great uncle really took this message to heart by fighting for Israel in 1948. Sadly, he died during the fighting and his body was not recovered. Samuel traveled a very long distance from Poland to Austria to be apart of something greater than himself and support the notion of the State of Israel. This seashell was so important to him because of what it represented. He brought it with him when he came to the U.S even though he took almost nothing. This object is not used today but it is still cherished by the family.
They look at it to remember their heritage. The seashell reminds Dylan to fight for what he believes in; whether it is the State of Israel or religious freedom. This object inspires Dylan to stand up for what is right just like his great grandfather did when he attended the first Zionist Congress.
This is a special object in the S family.
Art Pallete
United States
Abby S brought this art palatte for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This art palette once belonged to Ari A, the maternal great grandfather of Abby S. He always painted and used this art palette for all of his paintings including the painting of people praying by the kotel that now hangs in Abby S's dining room. After Ari A passed away Abby’s maternal grandmother, Naomi K, took the palette and decided to have it framed and hung it up in her house. Naomi kept this art palette to remember her father and his many paintings. Naomi also paints because of her father’s influence on her.
The palette helps Naomi remember why she started painting and the memories she shared with her father.
Baseball Glove
Brooklyn
Tali G. brought this baseball glove for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This baseball glove once belonged to Lou M, the paternal great grandfather of Tali G. It
originally came from Brooklyn in 1940. Lou was fortunate as his school gave him this glove. It is very significant to Tali
and her family because it reminds them about the person it belonged to and his life. It is a three-finger glove that Lou
used while he played baseball in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees. When he stopped playing, he gave the glove to Tali’s father, Seth. Today, years later, Seth has it sitting in his office on display. The object means a lot to Tali because it was her great grandfather’s, and it reminds her of how amazing he was.
Tali and her family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Handmade Glass Cup
united states
Kaylie S. brought this cup for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This cup once belonged to Chana, the maternal great grandmother of Kaylie S. The cup represents how Kaylie’s great grandmother and her three sisters helped each other survive the Holocaust, and their vow to stay together. The story of this cup started when Kaylie’s great grandmother and her three sisters survived the Holocaust by helping each other. They even survived Dr. Mengele’s experiments! After the Holocaust, they came to America from Europe, and they kept their vow and lived near each other.
Then they bought a set of four cups, and they each kept one cup to commemorate their bond. Today the cup is used in Kaylie’s grandmother’s house, and it is on display in her China cabinet. To Kaylie, the object
symbolizes the strength and importance of family.
Kaylie and her family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Medical Syringes
South Africa
Betzalel H. brought these syringes for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. These syringes once belonged to Frumilla N., the
maternal grandmother of Betzalel H. Frumilla used them for the anesthesia and the blood work in the first successful heart transplant. They are significant because they were part of an important medical breakthrough and are a reminder of Frumilla who has passed away. The items are no longer in use.
To Betzalel the syringes are a physical reminder of his grandmother, Frumilla and her impact on the world. This is a special object in the H. family.
Ring
Romania
Lea G brought this ring for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This gold ring has a special story. The ring that Lea G chose is originally from Satu-Mare, a small town in Romania. Lea’s great grandmother bought it in 1945. It was given to Lea’s grandmother in 1957. Lea’s great grandmother, Fanny Rosenberg, bought the ring from a little shop near her home. Her family did not have much money, but she was able to save up for it and buy it. She thought it was important to honor Shabbat in any way that she could. Fanny bought this ring and wore it only on Shabbat to symbolize the importance of this day. The ring was then given to Lea’s grandmother and eventually was given to Lea by her grandmother, which continued the tradition. Sometimes Lea wears it on holidays. She has kept this ring the same way it has looked for many years now. This ring has been passed down from the women in Lea’s family for two generations. She
feels that this ring honors her religion in the best way that her family knew how to
many years ago.
This is a special object in the G family.
Baseball Mit
united stats
Goldie G brought this baseball glove for her 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair.
This baseball glove, that Goldie has, was given to her by her grandfather,
Irwin-Bobby Kaplyn as a very special gift. The glove once belonged to her
great grandfather, Ben Kaplan, Bobby's father. He purchased the glove as a
special gift to himself, when he found out that his wife was pregnant with their
first child. He was very hopeful that it would be a boy, and that he would have
a catch with his new son. The year was 1946, and America loved baseball. Ben
ended up having a daughter, Gloria. Eventually, Ben had two sons that he loved to play ball with. He always kept the glove as a symbol of how great life can be.
Bobby never forgot that glove which represented everything great about being a
dad and being excited to start a family in America after the terrible tragedy of
World War II and the Holocaust. Also, to remember his beginnings on the Lower
East Side with immigrant parents. The glove is an authentic baseball mitt that is
considered a vintage collector's item today, but is very important to Goldie's
grandfather because of what it represents.
This special item will be treasured by Goldie for years to come.
Radio
United States
Yoel S brought this radio for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This radio has an interesting history. The radio once belonged to David Glazer, the maternal grandfather of Yoel S. It was made in the 1960’s. Yoel’s grandfather bought it in a store called Tapp-ans. He bought it for $60 which was a lot of money in the 1960’s.
David got the funds with his Bar Mitzvah money. It is significant to Yoel’s family because Yoel’s great grandfather loved radios and the technology within them, so he wanted David to get one. Even though the radio is so old David still uses it today to listen to the news.
Yoel and his family will continue to cherish this heirloom.
Microscope
U.S
Jack B brought this microscope for the 2016 Moriah Schoool Heritage Fair. This microscope once belonged to Frank Alfus,the paternal great grandfather of Jack B. In 1958, while living in the U.S, Frank purchased this object. Frank used this microscope in his company, Alpex Wheel, which, remarkably, he started by himself. Today, the microscope isn't used, but it provides sentimental value for Jack and his family. From this microscope, Jack can
learn that no matter how hard something is, he should always try his hardest, just like how Frank made his own company. To do this, he had to persevere and never give up, and that is the message Jack gets through the microscope.
Jack and his family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Coffee Grinder
Tripoli
Tamir.S brought this coffee grinder for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This coffee grinder once belonged to Mantina, the maternal great grandmother of Tamir.S. This object is originally from Italy. It’s significant to Tamir.S’s family because it serves as a reminder of her.They kept it so they could always have a reminder of her in their home.
From 1911 until 1943 the Italian Empire took over Tripoli and many of its citizens worked and lived there. The Italians also brought Italian items to sell there in the markets. That's where Mantina’s family purchased the coffee grinder. This Item is outmoded and is not used today. It now is one of the only things she left behind. Tamir and his family hope to cherish this
item for many more years.
Tamir and his family hope to cherish this
item for many more years.
Shochet's Knife and Documents
Hungary
Annabel K brought this set of Shechita tools and documents for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This Shochet’s knife has an interesting story. It belonged to Martin Pahmer, Annabel’s maternal great grandfather. Martin used the knife in Hungary during the 1930s. Annabel’s great grandfather left Hungary just before World War II. Along with the knife, there are several documents. One of those is the passenger list from the ship Martin Pahmer traveled on, along with his Shechita and Smicha certificates. When Annabel’s great grandfather arrived in America, he stopped using the knife and opened a Matzo factory. Today, this knife is one of the few things Annabel’s family still has that belonged to Martin Pahmer and his family. To Annabel, it is a connection to her great grandfather who she never met.
Annabel and her family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Ring
Syria
Ezra C brought this Syrian ring for the
2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This gold
ring with a turquoise stone, once belonged to Rabbi Ezra Mishanieh, the maternal great
grandfather of Ezra C. This object originally is from Syria in the year 1910. It is significant to Ezra C’s family because Ezra Mishanieh used to wear it every day. When Ezra Mishanieh passed away, Ezra C’s grandmother inherited it. Today she wears it all the time. This will one
day be Ezra C’s ring.
Ezra and his family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Bracelet
Poland
Alec Kinzelberg brought this bracelet for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This bracelet has a special story. This bracelet once belonged to Caroline Schanzer, the maternal great-great grandmother of Alec Kinzelberg. It was a gift from her husband. It is significant to his family because it is the only heirloom in his family that lasted World War II. They kept this object because it is very sentimental. Here is the story behind this bracelet. Alec’s great grandfather named Naftali Schanzer kept the bracelet in the heel of his shoe throughout the war. The bracelet is not used today. It is displayed in a frame with a picture of its owner.
It is incredible that the bracelet survived the war.
A Fan
United States
Georgia D brought this fan for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This fan has a special story. Georgia’s great-great grandmother came to New York from Poland via Paris to meet her husband. This man was part of an arrangement made by her parents for her to have a spouse in America. When she met him, she decided that he was not a good match for her! She decided to live in New York anyway and start a family there with a man she would meet on her own terms. To make money, she got a job at a hat store, and eventually she met Georgia D paternal great-great grandfather and married him. He was her true love. For her wedding, she made this fan using a feather. It is now a tradition for all women in her family to carry this when walking down the aisle.
Georgia and her family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Knitted Grapes
Hungary
Meira R brought this heirloom for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair.This heirloom is very special to the R family. The heirloom is from Hungary, and it was made in the early 1900’s. It once belonged to Meira R’s great grandmother. She knitted the heirloom when she was twenty years old, and it has been past down four generations. Last year she passed away, and Meira’s grandmother gave it to her. This object means a lot to Meira because it is a memory of her great grandmother.
Meira and her family will cherish this object for many years to come.
Medal
United Sates
Ben S brought these awards for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. These awards have an interesting story. These awards once belonged to Mrs. Elaine K, the maternal great grandmother of Ben S. Ben’s great grandmother received these awards for saving a life of a twelve year old girl who was drowning in the ocean off the coast of Nantasket Beach, MA in 1941. Mrs. Eliane K was at the beach (not a lifeguard) and saw a few people struggling in the water. Shocked, but not afraid, she then helped a man save these people. These awards are significant to Ben S’s family as they show that Elaine exhibited bravery. To Ben S, these objects mean that his great grandmother really cared for other people, even strangers. It says on the medal: “To Elaine B. G for Bravery in Saving Life”. Elaine had a great amount of courage to do that heroic act of kindness.
This is a special object in the K, B and
S families.
Chess Set
Austria
Ariana M. brought this chess set for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This unique chess set was carved by Ariana M’s maternal great-great-great-great grandfather, Bernard S, in Brody, Austria. The city of Brody, is currently located in Ukraine. This one-of-a-kind set was made in c. 1875. It is a significant object in Ariana’s family because it was personally created by her ancestor as a "Kosher" chess set. This means that while the king piece on most chess sets is topped with a cross, this set doesn't contain any Christian symbols. When Ariana’s great-great-great-great grandfather came to America, he brought this chess set with him. Since then, it has been passed down from generation and is still used by family members to learn how to play chess today.
The M family greatly cherishes this heirloom.
Medal
United States
Ari C brought this medal for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This medal has a special story. This medal once
belonged to Ari C’s paternal great-great grandfather. Ari C’s paternal great-great grandfather’s medal is from The Franklin Institute in the United States. Ari C’s paternal great-great grandfather got this as an award for one of his inventions.This medal is significant to Ari C’s family because it shows how his great-great grandfather's inventions were recognized. Ari C’s family has kept this medal because they are proud of his inventions. The object that Ari C’s great-great grandfather got his medal for is not used today.
This medal is very significant and important to Ari C and his family.
Oil/Vinegar bottle
United States
Sheri S brought this heirloom for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This vinegar & oil bottle once belonged to Etka, the maternal great-great-great grandmother of Sheri S. In the late 1800’s Etka got this vinegar & oil bottle as a wedding gift. Etka gave it to her daughter Rachel as a wedding gift. When Rachel’s daughter Sarah got married, she gave it to her as a wedding gift. When Sarah’s daughter Anita, Sheri’s grandmother, got married she gave it to her as a wedding gift.
This special object will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
Charity Box
United States
Brianna G brought this charity box for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This charity box once belonged to Leo G, the paternal great grandfather of Brianna G. This item was used in the early 1970’s. This charity box is significant because it shows how Brianna G’s great grandfather collected charity for children living in Israel. Brianna keeps it to remind her of what a great man he was. The story behind Brianna's object is one that you would like to hear. Her great grandfather owned a hotel called the Pioneer Country Club. Then he started an organization called the Pioneer Milk Fund, and gave the money to poor children in Israel. This object makes Brianna feel lucky knowing that her
great grandfather was caring and generous.
This charity box will hopefully be passed down for many more generations, so the G family can all remember what a great man Leo was.
Otoscope
United States
Nadav W brought this otoscope for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This otoscope, which was made in the United States in the 1940’s, belonged to Nadav’s maternal great-grandmother, Bessie Marks Baker, who was an excellent student in science, arts, literature and philosophy and maintained these interests throughout her life. She attended medical school
at Ohio State University in 1944 and graduated in 1948. She and both of her siblings all attended and graduated from medical school, a remarkable achievement at a time when this wasn’t easy for Jews or for women. Nadav’s great grandmother was one of only three women in her medical school graduating class. She worked for the State of Ohio in her capacity as a physician. This otoscope represents one of the unique aspects of Nadav’s maternal great grandmother.
This object will be cherished by the W family for many years.
Tools
Poland
Netanel I brought these tools to the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. These tools have a special story. They once belonged to Leon Mortkowitz, the maternal great grandfather of Netanel I. Leon had these tools before and around the time of the Holocaust. When
he lived in Poland he worked to design and create the covers of books. The tools are quite old and aren’t used today. They help Netanel understand his great grandfather's life.
These tools will be cherished by Netanel’s family for many years to come.
Bracelet
Poland
Alec K brought this bracelet for the 2016 Moriah School Heritage Fair. This bracelet has a special story. This bracelet once belonged to Caroline Schanzer, the maternal great-great grandmother of Alec K. It was a gift from her husband. It is significant to
his family because it is the only heirloom in his family that lasted World War II. They kept this object because it is very sentimental. Here is the story behind this bracelet. Alec’s great grandfather named Naftali Schanzer kept the bracelet in the heel of his shoe throughout the war. The bracelet is not used today. It is displayed in a frame with a picture of its owner. It is incredible that the bracelet survived the war. This is a special object in the Schanzer & K families.
This is a special object in the Schanzer & K families.