Books
We have a variety of books in this category, prayer books and family chronologies are just some examples. All of them tell different stories. Some tell of the Jewish people and their prayers, some are only used for special Jewish holidays, and some are used for everyday life. They each represent the lives of the Jewish people.
Prayer Book
Poland
My grandfather
My great, great grandfather got this book in Poland, and then gave the prayer book to my great grandfather. He took the book with him on a boat to Aruba where he had a family. Now, my grandfather has it.
This prayer book represents hope. It was very hard to be a Jew in Poland in the 1930s. My great grandfather left Poland and went to Aruba to start a new life. This book represents that new life.
Prayer Book - Siddur
Austria
My mother
This book was first my great, great grandfather's. Then it was my great aunt's and now it is my mom's. My grandfather used this book when he studied and had his bar mitzvah. He was very studious so this book was very important to him.
This prayer book represents hard work, Jewish heritage, and love.
Letter written by my Great Grandfather
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
My grandfather
This artifact is important to my family, not only because it is the story of our heritage, but it is the story of the perseverance and work of our ancestors and it shows us what they did to better the lives of my family. It shows my family and me what we can do for the next generation.
This artifact is significant to me because it helps me understand my background, my family history, and our lives in America.
Hebrew Bible
Israel
My dad
My great grandma Goldie owned it and gave it to my grandparents for their wedding. They then gave it to my dad for his wedding.
This book is so important to my family. I feel that I have to take care of it and I feel proud that it will be mine one day.
Book about my grandmother's family
Unknown
My Grandma
This artifact is important because it keeps the story of our family going, our tradition, culture, story, history.
If you want to know about where you come from, you have to know the history.
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.