What Jewish object do you cherish?

Our homes are treasure troves of Jewish objects–each with a story to tell. We asked Jewish Chicagoans to tell us what Judaica they cherish most–and the stories behind them. Here’s what they said…

My son received a gold chain with a chai on it for his bar mitzvah. He never had a piece of jewelry before. He was one of the first pandemic Zoom bar mitzvahs and missed out on many of the customs that one might identify with during this significant time. When he got the chai, it’s like it clicked–he is now a bar mitzvah! He wears it proudly every day, and of course that makes me smile.
Michelle Maer, Northbrook

My Zadie’s childhood kiddish cup. We used it–and still use it to this day–each year at our family Passover Seder. It has now been touched by my grandchildren–linking five generations. L’Dor V’ Dor–Am Yisrael Chai!
Michael H. Zaransky, Northbrook

My cherished object is a pair of simple green candlesticks that were passed from my grandmother to my mother, and now to me. They are both of blessed memory and when I light my Shabbat candles, my heart fills with gratitude for such beautiful examples of what it means to be an Eshet Chayil, a woman of valor. I treasure those candlesticks and the memories they bring.
Lauren Grossman, Chicago

During some pandemic spring cleaning, I rediscovered the ornate mezuzah necklace my aunt gifted me for my bar mitzvah. While it took some time to fully appreciate its charm, the necklace now charmingly provides a daily reminder of my family’s culture and history.
Ari Craven, Chicago

The late Moris Tcath’s daily prayer book while he served in the U.S. Army. Published hastily in 1941, my father’s prayer book draws upon Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform liturgy, and highlights such prayers as being delivered from danger, for the wounded, for those fallen in battle, and confessions on a death bed. Its preface opens, “May this prayer book, small enough in size to be carried in a pocket over the heart, bear the spiritual messages of Israel’s ancient prayers to the heart of the American Jewish soldiers and sailors serving their country.”
Jay Tcath, Deerfield

A vintage rotogravure on waxed parchment paper showing Jewish people praying and weeping at the Western Wall, then called the Wailing Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem before its liberation. This beautiful piece adorns the wall of our dining room to remind us of our strength and to deepen our connection to Jerusalem–and the Jewish people.
Aayisha Ruby Gold, Chicago

This is my great-grandmother’s Shabbat candlestick. My great-grandmother Mrs. Henya Schusterman came to this country in 1948. I am honored to be named after her and use this candlestick before every Shabbat.
Henya Moscowitz, age 8, Northbrook

This clock was my Great Aunt Adelle’s, my Grandma Goldie’s sister. We were very close, and I always admired it even as a child. Seeing Herzl always makes me feel proud of Israel and the Jewish people and this clock always reminds me of wonderful times with Aunt Adelle.
Brooke Mandrea, Northbrook

This Shabbat set that was passed along to us by a friend has been my daughter’s favorite toy in recent days. I’m happy I could start teaching her the beautiful traditions of Shabbat at such an early age despite the pandemic. The next lesson: that we can’t bring real candles up to bed.
Lori Lovitz, Evanston