Yelena Tets

Yelena Tets

This is my mother Yelena Tets. This photo was taken before I was born. Mama was visiting my grandmother in Jekabpils. This photo was taken in my grandmother's garden in 1926.

My parents got married in 1913. My older brother Grigoriy, named after Grandfather Hirsh, was born in 1914. I was born in 1926. I have the Russian name of Tatiana registered in my documents, and my Jewish name is Taube. I was named after my paternal grandmother, who had passed away before I was born.

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.

My parents were religious. We observed all Jewish traditions at home. We celebrated Sabbath at home. Mama lit candles and prayed over them. When father came home from work, we all sat down to dinner. My parents tried to do no work on Saturday. However, if Mama had emergency patients, she never sent them away, but my parents did their best to observe Saturday. We also celebrated all Jewish holidays. My parents went to the synagogue on Jewish holidays.

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