My object is my Great - Great Grandmother, Dora’s candlesticks. Dora’s candlesticks are one of the only belongings that she managed to bring with her when she immigrated to the USA from Russia on May 22nd, 1906. Dora was 26 when she entered the USA and traveled on the ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, the ship pictured below. Additionally, the building photographed is where she got married to her second husband on March 10, 1912, which is currently the location of the Lower East Side. Regarding the candlesticks, my family doesn’t know much about where they were created and when Dora received them. However, we know that Dora utilized them during Jewish holidays and prayer. My grandma currently has the candlesticks in her home and lights them on celebrations & times of prayer, just as Dora did. Whenever my family gathers to celebrate holidays, we light them as well. Her candlesticks symbolize religion, peace, and protection to my family. They serve as a reminder of how lucky my family is for Dora’s actions and persistence throughout her life. Dora’s life wasn’t easy, and she risked every aspect of her life just for the better lives of her descent. As I conversed with my grandma about Dora’s candlesticks, she told me, "when I need prayers to be heard, I hold her candlesticks [ to ]... my heart”. These candles are a miracle, and all my family members feel their blessing. 

– JR.

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