Hiddur Mitzvah: Holy Blossom’s Living Museum

Hiddur Mitzvah: Holy Blossom’s Living Museum

by Ephrem King

I am a fellow member of Holy Blossom and a passionate museum enthusiast. My love for museums inspired me to pursue a career in the field, earning a degree in Museum Studies with a focus on collections and research. This journey began with a BA in Anthropology and Art History from UBC and continued with a Master’s in Provenance Studies from the University of Glasgow. To contribute to our wonderful community, I have volunteered to assist in developing a new exhibition for the Living Museum at Holy Blossom. As part of an upcoming exhibition project for the Living Museum dedicated by George z”l and Susan Cohon and Family, we are reaching out to ask if members of our congregation would be willing to loan their Kiddush cups for display.

Aligned with Holy Blossom’s strategic plan to share the stories of our congregants, we believe there is no better object to represent the connection between family and community than the Kiddush cup—a vessel that holds such ritual significance every Shabbat. Our goal is to showcase the unique stories behind these cups, whether they belong to ancestors you never met or to recent B’nei mitzvah, were handmade, or have travelled thousands of miles to grace your Shabbat table. We want to hear your story!

We invite you to loan your cup for three months (exact dates TBD) to be featured in the secure, locked exhibition space. If you’re interested, please reach out ([email protected]), and we will provide a brief form to help you share your cup’s story. This includes details such as the owner’s name (if you wish to share), the year you acquired it, its provenance, and any special memories associated with it.