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.