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.
Hilarious Hebrew: The Fun and Fast Way to Learn the Language
Israel
I was in Israel and wanted to learn Hebrew so I got this book that teaches Hebrew.
It helps to teach Hebrew in a fun way, which is important to Judaism.
Prayer Book
Israel
Grandmother
It belonged to my great grandfather and I love it because my sister asked for it.
It was used for praying when people were not able to practice Judaism.
Book
Miami, FL
Sharon S, My Grandma
This book was made by my great grandpa. It shows how my family was treated in Russia and makes me sad to hear how they were being treated.
This book shows how Jews were treated in Russia and how they were being persecuted by pogroms.
Grandfather's Prayer Book
Brooklyn, NY
Dan D (my grandfather)
This book is my grandfather's. It was given to him by Rabbi Kranz. He uses this book and learns things that change his daily life. He told me that he remembers to be humble, not to ever lie, and many other things while reading this prayer book. I hope to learn some of the same things when I read it.
This book is used for daily prayers. When my grandfather uses and thinks about this book he is reminded to think about God and feels calm.
Haggadah
Jerusalem
My Grandpa
This haggadah was owned by my great grandparents, Poppa Sidney and great grandmother Lillian. It was given to Poppa by his parents.
The Passover story has been handed down from generation to generation. This copy helps me feel connected to this part of Jewish history.
This haggadah connects me to the long history of the Jewish people. Jews around the world read the same story every Passover. We sit around our table and take turns reading a portion of the haggadah in English and Hebrew which makes me feel a part of the tradition of Passover.
My Great Grandfather's Prayer Book
Lithuania
Jim (My Grandfather)
It was originally owned by my great great grandfather, Herman. This prayerbook is a connection between me and my dad's grandfather, who I never got to meet. But having this gives me a connection to him.
My great great grandfather and great grandfather were both cohains. So the prayer book was used during celebratory life events such as births and marriages.
Lithuania during the late 1800s was a difficult place for Jews. The Russian leaders forced Jews to live in ghettos and there were pogroms happening. Jews were being killed simply because of who they were.
Herman left Lithuania in 1897 when he was about 13 years old traveling by bike, walking, wagons, and then he got on a boat. He sailed first to South Africa where there was a war going on, so he decided to continue on to the US. While he was traveling, he earned money by doing magic tricks and playing the violin. He landed in New Jersey where he learned English and worked in a factory.
My Great-Grandfather's Siddur
Warsaw, Poland
Stephen (My Dad)
My great-grandfather originally owned this siddur. It was given to my father when my great-grandfather died.
This book brings me hope because my grandfather brought it through World War II. It means to me that if you have hope and believe in your religion, you will grow.
In Ukraine and Russia life was very bad for Jews. This was the reason my great grandfather moved to Brooklyn.
The Jewish people have always struggled but in the end they've prevailed.
Book of Bible Stories
New York
My great grandfather brought this back from Israel because my dad was just born. It was passed down and it was my daddy's and now it's mine. It makes me feel special because it was passed down.
My grandma and Poppy would read the stories and describe them to my dad.
A Book
New York
My Father
My grandfather wrote this book about his childhood. I hope to learn about my grandfather's experience in the Holocaust.
When you read the book you might feel sad or cry. Although, it teaches you the lesson of the reality in the time period of the Holocaust.
Siddur
Israel
My mom
It was a gift to my grandparents who passed it on to my parents. It makes me proud to have this from my family because my great grandmother had it and I never got to meet her.
At this time, Israel was still a pretty new country filled with different kinds of Jews from all over the world.
If You Knew Suzy by Katherine Rosman
Tuxedo Park, NY
My mother
This book is about my family by my family.
She addresses her Jewish identity in the book.
Prayer Book
Vilna, Russia
Robert F (Grandfather)
This prayer book was brought to America by my great-great grandmother Esther in 1921.
It is a Jewish prayer book that has survived many generations.
Prayer Book
Warsaw, Poland
Diana F (grandmother)
This prayer book was brought to America by my great-great grandmother Bessie in 1938.
It is a Jewish prayer book that has survived many generations.
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