Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Source |
Iowa Jewish Historical Society |
Iowa History Era Tag |
World War II to an Urban State (1940-1963) |
Chronological Tag |
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945) |
Catalog Number |
2018.014.015 |
Credit line |
Iowa Jewish Historical Society - Waukee, Iowa |
Description |
This photograph shows the Jewish Seder dinner that the National Jewish Welfare Board held at the Jewish Community Center in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1943. The Seder dinner is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of Passover and celebrates the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt. The National Jewish Welfare Board formed in 1917 to provide support to Jewish soldiers during World War I. In 1941, this organization was one of six private organizations that banded together and formed the United Service Organizations, or USO. The USO was responsible for providing entertainment for soldiers, usually through live performances. Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.28 Cultural Contributions in a lesson on Jewish religious traditions and organizations to support members. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
A seder dinner is a traditional meal that celebrates the Hebrew exodus from slavery and marks the beginning of Passover. The meal includes the singing of Hebrew hymns, reciting prayers, telling stories and drinking wine. Ceremonial foods are placed on a platter and each hold a special meaning, such as the matzo which symbolizes the three groups of Jews and the maror and chazeret, bitter foods that remember those of the bitterness of slavery. During the meal, the story of Abraham, Issac and Jacob is told along with the story of the Exodus. The meal can last several hours into the night as each tradition takes place. |
Notes on Related Objects |
Object is related to the following library resources, which can be found by searching the catalog number in the advanced search section: Catalog #: 2018.045.051- Des Moines, Together with the History of Polk County 2018.045.098- Centennial History of Polk County, Iowa |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - State/National |
County Tag |
Polk |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Cultural Events Religion Jewish Life Celebrations |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Iowa Jewish Historical Society and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
