Rescuing Judaica

by Michalee Merritt

The week before Thanksgiving I spent some time with my mom in New Jersey. We did all the things that Moms and daughters do. We went out for lunch, binge watched HGTV, and of course went shopping, 

We went to a national discount retailer. It was decked out for Christmas like you would not believe. We combed the aisles looking for Hanukkah, anything blue, white or silver. I was shocked that I was not finding anything. Finally, in the last aisle I went down, I found a single menorah, I don’t need another menorah. We have one for every member of the family and more! 

But I bought it! Why? My mom always said if you see a piece of Judaica sitting by itself, rescue it. 

My mom always said if you see a piece of Judaica sitting by itself, rescue it. 

This is how I happen to have antique seder plates, kiddush cups and shabbat candlesticks. I was taught that these objects need a home. I proudly display all my judaica throughout  my home. They are a part of who we are as a people. Each piece tells a story and has a history. It is my job to rescue them and then pass them down to someone else that might need them. 

*And just a shout out to Target who had an amazing amount of stuff for Hanukkah!

1 response to “Rescuing Judaica”

1. Nina Woldin says:

   December 2, 2024 at 9:49 am

   Thanks for writing this post. It is so important! These objects are so meaningful. Also, I always try to support any store that sells Jewish items, because they need to know that it is worth doing. I just bought a great dreidel game at Target on Sunday for my boys.

   Reply