This article dives into an exhibition by the YIVO Institute, showcasing 100 artifacts—like family photos, sacred texts, and children’s toys—that piece together a vivid, intimate history of Jewish life across time and borders. It’s less about grand historical narratives and more about the small, everyday objects that carried meaning for generations.

Editor’s Note: Stories of the past often focus on big events or famous figures, but this exhibition reminds us that history lives in the ordinary, personal items people leave behind. It’s a powerful way to connect with the lived experiences of Jewish communities, making the past feel immediate and deeply human. For anyone interested in how culture persists through the smallest details, this is a must-read.