Images(2)

Program, Purim event

Not on view

Date1920-03

ClassificationsDocument

Credit LineGift of Mira Rothenberg Goldsman

Object number2005.A.149

Object DescriptionProgram for Purim event of the gymnasium started by Ida Jaffe. Folded in half, the cover shows a young girl with long hair seated, holding a pen, writing on a piece of paper. She is looking off to the side. She is in a circle surrounded by floral decoration. The words explaining what this is, above and below the circle are in fancy lettering. On the back side (opens so all the words and picture face each other) is the program. This program is performed by the male and female children of the Ida Jaffe Gymansium. It includes a march and pageant by the kindergarten, a little play for small children, poetry recitation, songs and dances. See complete translation in donor file.

Collections

Jewish Holidays

Keywords

Yiddish
Education
Children
Ritual
Purim
Vilna

NotesThe donor was born Mira Kowarsky in Vilna. Her father worked in real estate while her mother, Rose nee Jaffe taught and practiced dentistry. She had two younger siblings, a sister – Raja and a brother - Noah. Their father died in 1932. Around 1935 Rose, Raja and Noah came to the United States on a “visit” and they remained here. Mira remained in Vilna living with an aunt. In 1938 Mira came to the United States as well. Shortly afterwards Rose went back to Vilna to try to bring some relatives out. She got caught in the war and ended up going to Japan. Her children thought she was dead until the American Red Cross found her. She came back and taught in the Workmen’s Circle. (She later died by committing suicide – I did not ask any further questions on the subject). Meanwhile Noah lied about his age and went into the American Army. He served in Germany, was captured and held in a POW camp. His sisters thought he was dead as well until the war was over. The mother’s sister Ida Jaffe Levitt (first marriage) Fienerman (second marriage) started a gymnasium while living in Vilna and then a teachers seminary. Naftali Fienerman (second husband) was the first president of YIVO in the States and was a founder of the Workmen’s Circle.

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