Help to identify item, pls

[kaethe]

Got a question for you, friendslist:

My aunt converted to Judaism as an adult. She had this in her stuff when she died. My only way of connecting it with Judaism is that it has "Israel" inscribed on it. I'm at a loss as to whether it's an important religious item or a souvenir or what, exactly. And if it's important, is there something I

Comments

[kaethe]

Cool! I just wonder if it's okay to keep as a memento of her, or if that would be disrespectful.

[meridae]

I know *nothing* about Judaism, but I don't see WHY it would be disrespectful unless you're planning on sacrificing goats in front of it. I would imagine it would be similar to me keeping my mother's cross and her Bible after she died. I would imagine that keeping it as a treasured momento is a very respectful thing to do.

[kimberlyfdr]

It's a decorative Torah holder. That particular one can be ordered here: http://www.mazaltovpages.com/HTM_gifts/1G_BMitzvahG.htm as a Bar Mitzvah gift.

[kaethe]

Very cool! Thanks.