My precious item passed down to me is my menorah. My object is used to celebrate Jewish holidays. It is my family’s treasure. My family brought this here in 1900 on their way to America. It is made out of brass. But my family doesn't treasure it for what it's made out of, they treasure it for the history behind it. Eight of the candles represent eight miracle nights and the ninth one is there to light the others. The menorah is used for a holiday called Hanukkah. Hanukkah is 8 days of sharing, eating, praying and spending time with family. The holiday is celebrated for light over darkness. Hanukkah is a great holiday where all people get together and celebrate life. It is often celebrated in December. Each night we light a candle. My brother lights the first candle, I light the second, my mother lights the third and my grandmother lights the fourth. That goes on for 8 nights. On our holiday, we also celebrate with traditional foods. Each day we eat food such as matzoh ball soup. I love what my menorah stands for. The holiday, my artifact, and our family traditions are precious to me. To me, it stands for hope, my family, my culture and my ancestors.

– Elijah Allen

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more