My object is a “Menorah” that is used on the Jewish holiday called Hanukkah (Hanukkah means dedication in the Torah). It was brought here from Russia. It’s made out of brass which is a kind of metal. A menorah is used by Jewish people for celebrating the eight day period that usually falls between late November and late December. There are nine branches on the menorah; the middle one is called the shamash. The shamash is the helper branch. On the first night of Hanukkah you take the shamash branch and light it and then put it on the first candle on the left side then the second then the third and so on until you get to eight.
I think I chose my artifact because it’s a holiday I celebrate every year for eight days. I think I also chose this menorah because it has been passed down for many generations. My family’s menorah was one of the only things my ancestors brought with them. This artifact is related to my mom’s side of the family. My great great grandma and my great grandma immigrated here in 1907 together and brought with them two menorahs; one was this hanukkah menorah and the other one was a shabbat menorah. Shabbat is another Jewish tradition that is celebrated every Friday night. This menorah teaches me about culture because it is an artifact that is represented by my Jewish traditions.

– WM

Relationship:  unknown unknown