There are a number of craft pro-
jects that simulate family heirlooms.
Ritual items such as candlesticks,
kiddush or wine cups or spice boxes
seem especially appropriate as they
are used every week but are also spe-
cial in their holiness. The following
project is a Havdalah spice box. In
Hebrew, the word havdalah means
to separate and is the name of the
ceremony that marks the end of
Shabbat — a time when holy time is
separated from real time. As you
* work with your child, consider these
thoughts for discussion.
The Conversation
There are many different kinds of
pilgrims, not just those who landed
at Plymouth Rock in 1620. While
American history is very important,
personal family history is important
too. Share stories of your parents;
grandparents, and great-grandpar-
ents, as far back as you know.
Together with your children, you
can identify where the gaps are.
Thanksgiving is
an ideal time to
talk about your
family's journey
to America.
Make a plan to ask other relatives
what they know about family no
longer living, about their journey to
America, their life before they immi-
grated, their struggles when they
arrived. If the extended family will -
be gathering for Thanksgiving, it is
an ideal time to try to get these
questions answered.
What items are most special to
you? What items are most special to
your children? If you were leaving
this country for a new life in anoth-
er place, what would you bring? I
would probably bring photographs;
-special jewelry from my husband; a
bracelet handed down from my
great aunt; candlesticks my mother
gave me; letters and mementos from
my childhood.
What would my children choose?
There are some favorite dolls, some
favorite toys, a blanket shredded
almost beyond recognition and a
much worn stuffed bear. How would
they choose what to bring if they
could only pack one suitcase? As an
extra activity, try packing that suitcase
and see how much of "home" you
could bring with you if you made a
pilgrimage to a new land.
The following craft is a decorated
spice box made by my children. I
think I'd actually,take this with me
if I were off to a "New World."
Decorated Spice Box Materials
old jewelry box or other small
white box with lid
glue
water
paintbrush
assorted colors of tissue paper
sequins, pompoms or other
decorating scraps
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or
other fragrant spices
Dilute the glue with a little water
and paint the surface of the box and
the lid with the mixture. Tear the
tissue paper into small pieces and
cover the box and its lid, overlap-
ping any way you choose. Allow it
to dry. Glue on sequins, pompoms
or other decorating scraps to make
the spice box truly unique. Punch
small holes in the lid of the box and
sprinkle the spices inside.
Alternatives
One way to make the box a true
family heirloom is to cut out and
glue pictures of family members on
it. This is a nice way to feel your
family's presence at Havdalah even
if they cannot join you. A pilgrim
leaving family behind would have
wanted any mementos she could
bring.
Also bear in mind Molly's Pilgrim,
a favorite children's book this time
of year. It tells the story of an
immigrant girl and her mother who
learn that anyone coming to
America in search of religious free-
dom is a pilgrim. 1-1
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