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The silver teapot has a spout in the shape of a camel's head. It belonged to my great grandfather who recovered it from the remains of an earthquake in Safed in 1837. It was taken to Gibraltar, Lisbon and eventually to London. It has been in my family since that time and is now in Boston where it is used by the 5th generation of the Levy family. The discovery of the teapot led me to write a story which turned into a novel called The Camel Trail. I wanted to explore where it came from and how the lives of those who owned it were affected. In doing the research I discovered much about Lisbon, Gibraltar and early Jewish life in Safed. Walking the streets in these places made me feel as if I was back in the 19th century. Every time I look at the teapot I think of how my great-grandfather went from being an orphan to a successful olive oil trader in London. He ended up living in Finsbury Square and giving grand balls for 200 guests. It is exciting for my children and grandchildren to see how a person can build a good life after a tragedy. For me the camel teapot is so much more than a beautiful piece of antique silver.

Judy Jackson - London