On my bat mitzvah I received a symbolic religious necklace from my grandmother, passed down to her from her grandmother. Since then, I wear my religion around my neck. It displays a silver tablet of the 10 Commandments surrounded by a 6 pointed 14 karat gold star known as the Star of David. This 6 sided figure is believed to reflect that God rules over us and protects us from all six directions. It has been associated with Judaism for many centuries. A stone bearing the Star of David dates back to the third century. This design is found on coins from the 13th century, a prayer book dated 1521 and put on the flag of Israel. The Star of David  became more identifiable. I wear it on Jewish holidays and celebrations. I am told my great great grandmother wore this in memory of the survival of much oppression and persecution to the history of Judaism. During World War II, the Nazis denied the Jewish people their civil rights, homes, livelihoods and freedom of religion They were forced to wear a yellow cloth in the shape of a Star of David. This was done to segregate all Jews. Many were deported to concentration camps and then murdered. We now wear the Star of David to remind us that we will not tolerate such cruelty and that Judaism survives. I feel honored to have been given this family heirloom considering its importance to my family. When I wear my religion around my neck I am remembering my ancestors,  who are not free to display their religious beliefs and identity. My heritage is very important to me and I wear the Star of David proudly and without fear.

– Sarah Klein

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