Judita Schvalbova in front of the Presov synagogue

In this picture I’m seventh from the left. In the background you can see the Presov synagogue. The photo was taken in 2004 during the 10th anniversary of the renewal of the Lodge's activities. Guests also came from Budapest and Prague. Part of the program was in Kosice and then we invited them to our beautiful synagogue.

The synagogue to this day serves Jewish purposes, but also serves for various cultural activities such as a concert for the synagogue's 100th anniversary. There was also a concert of old music held here, and Yehuda Lahav introduced his book here. Part of the synagogue serves for religious services. The gallery, which one time was the area reserved for women, houses the Barkany Collection.

My relationship to Judaism hasn't really changed. During holidays we go to the synagogue and I make traditional foods. Nothing more than that, it's all just symbolic. My husband and I belong to the Presov community. I participate in the Hidden Child Foundation in Kosice and regularly attend their events. Besides this I'm also a member of the Ester organization. We have regular meetings in Kosice and Presov. During holidays or relatives' Yahrzeit they call my husband to the prayer hall to make a minyan. He goes as necessary. We both receive reparations for our suffering during the Holocaust from the Claims Conference.