American Jews and Israel

The centrality of Israel in modern Jewish consciousness also finds its reflection in the American Jewish home.  The objects here generally date to the 1950s during the first years of the existence of the Jewish state when American Jews delighted in its creation and worried about its future.  Several of the items are souvenirs of the land of Israel bought by travelers who visited the new country.  Many of the scenes engraved on the objects have traditional biblical themes and images of Jerusalem or the Land of Israel, a telling indication of the historic ties that Jews living in the Diaspora had to their ancient homeland.  Some are clearly “tchatchkes” (ornate and largely useless objects) reflecting both the genuine pride that American Jews felt in the new state and their self-confidence in manifesting it often in whimsical and overt ways to the general public.

Souvenir Dolls

The Jewish Heritage Collection, Special Collections Library, University of Michigan

Souvenirs with Scenes of Jerusalem and More

Pocket Knife, Cup Holders, Napkin Holder

The Jewish Heritage Collection, Special Collections Library, University of Michigan