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Friday, November 30, 2007

Dust off your heritage

I know that not everyone out there is Jewish, so I apologize that this may not be the most inclusive post I've ever written.  But a neat contest just came to my attention and I'd like to make sure as many people hear about it as possible.

The National Jewish Outreach Program is sponsoring a contest called 'Judaica Across America'.  Simply put, they want you to take a peek in your cabinets, drawers and breakfronts for Judaica that has become, if not an heirloom, then at least a member of the family.

It could be something commonplace like a Challah knife, kiddush cup, spice box, Hanukiah, Shabbat candle sticks or even a mezuzah.  Or perhaps it is something a little more exotic such as an antique Samivar, a shochet or mohel's knife, salt cellar, Megilat Esther or even a sefer torah.

What they want you to do is take a picture or two of your heirloom Judaica, write a few words about its history (as much as you know) and email your entry to the judges.

Ten finalists will be selected from among all the entries and a panel of judges will pick a grand prize winner to receive two round trip tickets to Israel (or $1,500) and other prizes.

To sweeten the deal, if the winner turns out to be a treppenwitz reader (and can provide at least one reliable character witness to attest that they aren't an ax murderer), Zahava and I will personally host the lucky couple for a meal during their visit to Israel.

To find out more, go to their site.  They've also set up a blog to display some of the entries as they come in.

Shabbat Shalom.

Posted by David Bogner on November 30, 2007 | Permalink

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Interesting timing... a person in my Hebrew class was just showing me a great picture he took of his daughter, wife, and mother in law with a set of Shabbos candlesticks that came with the family from Russia. I forwarded the contest info to him.

Posted by: JDMDad | Nov 30, 2007 4:33:39 PM

This is such a great idea. Someone should launch something similar down here in NZ / Australia. There are some pretty interesting stories here too. For example, did you know that the first Israeli flag raised over Jerusalem was done by a Kiwi soldier in December 1917? It was "home made" in Egypt (where he was based), then carried with him through the Jaffa Gate with General Allenby's forces. He got in trouble and had to take it down.

Posted by: Noa | Nov 30, 2007 8:06:47 PM

does the additional prize of the meal also come together with shabbat lodgings?

Posted by: Lion of Zion | Nov 30, 2007 8:49:09 PM

so... poisoner is okay, though, right?

Good luck! And kudos for putting your home where your mouth is -- may only good come from that!

Posted by: Wry Mouth | Dec 1, 2007 7:52:20 PM

We have little Bubba's foreskin in the baby album (but alas, not a drop of Jewish blood on it {sigh}). So close, yet so far.

Posted by: Bob | Dec 1, 2007 8:08:42 PM

I have something wonderful -- my great-grandfather's siddur -- but since I don't live in the US anymore I guess I'm not eligible.

Posted by: Rahel | Dec 1, 2007 8:27:02 PM

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