My object is a menorah. It was made in Poland where my maternal great-grandparents came from. My great grandpa lived in a small town in Poland called Wyszkowa that was populated by mainly Jewish people. His father was a rabbi, so their Jewish culture was very important to them. His father immigrated from to the United States in the early 1930s in order to create a better life for his family. My great grandpa soon followed with his siblings and mother. He brought the menorah with him when he immigrated to the United States. A menorah is made out of metal that is used in the Jewish religion to hold nine candles on the eight days of Hanukkah. One candle is used to light the eight candles each of the eight nights. My grandma received the menorah when my great grandpa died. Even though we might not take the religion as seriously anymore my relatives still gather every year at Hanukkah and use my great grandfather’s menorah. We still have some traditions left that include eating latkes and spinning dreidels. Even my dad who is Catholic participates in these traditions. The menorah is important to the Jewish religion, but it is important to my family because it reminds us of my great grandfather’s story. We come together every year and thank them for coming because we now all have food to eat, education, and a roof over our heads.

– LH

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