Tatiana Tets and her nanny Emma Weide

This is me and my nanny Emma Valde. Emma did much for our family, and became a member of our family. This photo was taken in Riga in 1968.

After my brother was born, Mama did not quit her job. She hired a nanny for my brother. Her name was Emma Valde, and she was Latvian. Emma was married. She had two daughters. She worked for us from morning till night. She became a member of our family. This wonderful lady was well respected by all members of our family.

When we left for evacuation Emma came to say ‘good bye’ to us. She brought us her woolen sweaters and a piece of cheese. This cheese was the only food we had. In summer 1946 we returned to Riga. We had no place to live, and Emma gave us shelter. She had a room in a shared apartment. Her married daughters lived separately. We stayed with Emma till we received a room in a shared apartment from an executive committee.

Our family continued observation of Jewish traditions after the war. My brother's family also lived with us. We could not celebrate Sabbath with Saturday being an official working day, and we had to go to work and attend classes. However, we celebrated it on Friday evening. Mama lit candles. There was no challah sold, but Emma learned to make it. Emma made excellent Jewish food. She made delicious gefilte fish, chicken broth and strudels. We could not follow the kashrut either. We did not eat pork, but there was no place to buy kosher meat. There were problems with food products in general. We bought what was available. It goes without saying that we never mixed meat and dairy products. We also celebrated all Jewish holidays at home. Emma made traditional Jewish food and we invited guests. We always had matzah on Pesach. Emma bought matzah at the synagogue.