Israel Shlifer’s paternal grandmother, Basia Shlifer

My paternal grandmother Basia Shlifer. The photo was taken on her birthday in Rzhyschev around 1916.

My father's parents Idel and Basia Shlifer were born in Rzhishchev in 1870s. My grandmother was as religious. She prayed at home, went to synagogue and always wore kerchiefs: she had different kerchiefs for cold and warmer days, for wearing at home or going out. Grandmother Basia was a housewife. My grandparents had six children. My father told me that his family was poor. They lived on what the community provided. They observed Jewish traditions: followed kashrut and celebrated Saturday and Jewish holidays. Grandfather Idel tried to raise his children religious, but the Revolution of 1917 changed their life. Young Jewish people from poor families got fond of communist ideas. They wanted to leave smaller towns for bigger ones. They became communists and apologists of the new communist society. In 1918 grandmother Basia died.