The 4th grade in Yeshiva of South Shore celebrated their 100th day of school by taking a look at the past 100 years. In preparation for the 100th day the boys in the 4th grade were instructed to go home and speak to their parents and grandparents about a family heirloom. Each student chose one of their family’s greatest treasures to showcase. By engaging in this multigenerational project the boys learned about their family’s precious past. Some things the boys were required to find out were, WHO the item belonged to, WHERE the item came from, WHAT mesiras nefesh did their ancestor go through to have this item, and HOW does this item affect them, in 4th grade, in 2024?
The boys came to school with the most incredible pieces of their family’s history. There was an array of Judaica items from past generations. Well-loved siddurim, special Shabbos bechors, beautiful silver bisamim holders and challah covers which have been part of many Shabbosim throughout many generations! Other boys brought in special jewelry like special Shabbos cufflinks and beautiful broach pins worn by their grandparents and great grandparents. “What was so special about the heirloom was that it was my mother’s and it is special to me. My son saw its importance and was excited to bring it in” one parent, Mrs. Gornish expressed. We saw so many items that were bought after the war. These items helped these families recover and find joy in fulfilling the mitzvos and celebrating their Yiddishkeit. In addition to Judaica items and precious valuables some boys brought in items that were used and passed on from generation to generation such as beautiful needlepoints, and a shaving kit that was passed from father to son.
Our brand new lunchroom was set up as an Heirloom Museum. The boys dressed as museum curators and welcomed the third grade to view the heirlooms. Each boy had a poster board which displayed a picture of their heirloom and 2-3 paragraphs describing its value. As the third grade visited the fourth graders presented their heirlooms with pride and excitement. They especially loved being visited by our Principal, Mrs. Girnun and our Menahel, Rabbi Robinson.
At last, we finished our museum and celebrated with a beautiful cake. The boys in the Fourth Grade have so much to be proud of. They have gained tremendous insight to their family members and a gained better understanding of their own family’s history. They now look forward to creating heirlooms for their future generations!