The artifact that I chose as pictured above is my father’s Tallit that he wore for his Bar Mitzvah. In Judaism, the transition to adulthood in Jewish religion is marked by when a boy or girl, typically between the ages of 12 and 13, is called to the Torah. When my father became a Bar Mitzvah, he was gifted a Tallit, which is a traditional Jewish prayer shawl. This artifact is important to my Jewish heritage because it is a symbol of the everlasting connection we hold with our faith and ancestors. The Tallit forms a bridge between our origin, represents my family’s dedication to upholding Jewish values, and holds us accountable for being fully present and attentive when in Temple. Its fringes, or the tzitzit, remind us of the Commandments in the Torah and wearing it during prayer brings us a stronger spiritual connection with God. 
 

– Leni Basen

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