An object that ties me to my family and background is my “Kiddush Cup”. This is the wine cup that my family makes a blessing with on the Sabbath every week. This cup is sterling and was passed down from my grandfather to my father to be used during our Sabbath meals for the blessing of Kiddush. This connects me to my family and background because as a Jew the most important day of the week is Saturday when we celebrate the Sabbath. A big part of the Sabbath laws and traditions followed by generations of Jews is the blessing before the meals on the Night of the Sabbath and lunch the following day. This cup is very special and being passed down from my grandfather who also used it for his Sabbath blessings makes it even more special and meaningful. 

-Jacqueline Cohen

-Rose Zaman

As the daughter of 2 Bengali immigrants, I have had the opportunity to visit Bangladesh a few times. The last time I went was when I was in 5th grade, and my grandfather and I went to a store and bought these two miniature rickshaws, which are a common form of transportation. I have plenty of memories going on short trips to malls and relatives houses with my mom and aunt. My grandfather has since passed but I appreciate everything I have learned and received from him. Every time I pass by his gifts, such as the rickshaws, I feel connected to Bangladesh and all the memories I made when I was younger.

This cutting board features pysanka designs symbolizing life, faith, and protection. It honors my parents’ Ukrainian roots in Kiev and Odessa and celebrates the culture they carried to America. – Angela Kuchuk

A Uzbek chapan is a traditional long, padded coat that is often worn over clothes for warmth and decoration. It has a long history in Central Asia, symbolizing hospitality and status, and is usually made from colorful fabrics with intricate patterns and embroidery. While going back to my home country for the summer i saw many of them in the markets and older people wearing them day to day, coming back home i learned that my grandfather actually owns an authentic one from when he immigrated here, learning that brought me closer to my roots and background, knowing that it will get passed down to me.

The Bosnian coffee set connects to my background and family because it’s an important part of our culture. Bosnia was under Ottoman rule for about 500 years, and that’s where these specific designs come from. In my family, and all around Europe, drinking coffee is more than just having a drink, it’s a way to spend time together. We sit, talk, and enjoy each other’s company while drinking coffee from the traditional set. It reminds me of our culture and the value we place on family and togetherness.

Ethan Muchnick