Allie Barnes on Using Your Heirlooms Regularly and Re-Connecting to Judaism as a Mother

*All photos by Allie Barnes.

The Culture Luminaries series is back this week with Allie Barnes (@alliesbest)! I was so excited to chat with Allie to learn more about Allie’s Best, her ritual objects, and she even brought a special little guest on (her adorable daughter, Bowie), too!

Allie is a new mom and teacher who uses social media platforms to inspire positivity, have open dialogues about life, and encourage people to trust themselves enough to try new things.

Family portraits by Kenzie Kennedy Photography

She's passionate about reconnecting to Judaism authentically, miscarriage and infertility, motherhood, and education in all its forms.

During our time together Allie shared about:

• Name: Allie shared with us about how her Youtube channel and IG handle name  ‘Allie’s Best’ comes from encouraging herself and others to do their best, rather than shoot for elusive perfection.

• Honoring cultural traditions: Especially after having Bowie, Allie talks about the big and small ways she has honored her Jewish heritage as a new mother whether it’s during annual holidays or every week for Shabbat. 

• Ritual Objects: Allie shared a tea cup from her mother’s wedding china set and shared about the importance of having an heirloom connected to the food we share at holidays or meals. She also spoke about her childhood menorah and the layers of memory it brings with lighting it each year. 

• How we can support Allie’s work: Support organizations doing important activist work for Black and LGBTQ+ liberation!

You can watch the full interview below:

Thank you so much Allie and Bowie for joining us and sharing your cultural traditions and family heirlooms! You can follow Allie on IG here and visit her Youtube channel here.

As I discussed ritual objects with Allie, I am reminded that there are so many ways to celebrate, honor, and even reclaim, our time-honored traditions. I believe ritual objects really help anchor us in these moments— especially during this time.

Head here to visit our Modern Heirlooms web shop, where I've thoughtfully co-created ritual objects with my favorite artisans (in limited runs) to help you elevate your sacred rituals. 

And head here to participate in the Nourish Co. fundraiser for Black-led, Black Trans led, and Black Jewish led organizations. Please also join us in continuing to support these organizations doing important work beyond this fundraiser, this week, month, or year.