Rita lives in Rockville Maryland and is part of Die Freyliche Knaidlach. She is both a singer and a Yiddishist for the group.
It was after working with Rita that we realized why it was so important to preserve these stories in Yiddish itself. Listening to her describe her experiences as a little child in the language that it actually occurred in was something remarkable. It was as if we were transported back to those events as they were happening.
Perhaps more important, though, is to notice her smile. How can someone who lived through such a time in history ever smile again? And yet, there she is. Not only does she have a wide open smile for us now, she tells about the fun she always looked for as a kid, even in the camps. These stories are treasures from a woman who is herself one of our treasures.
To see more of Rita,why not check out Die Freyliche Knaidlach?