Lubov Vainer

I, Lubov Vainer.

I was born in Zhytomir on 20 December 1911. I was the oldest daughter in the family of stonemason expert Leizer Gersh Broide. I was named Liba at birth, but for many years I've been called Lubov for the convenience of communication.

There were few Jewish commanding officers. I didn't quite identify myself as a Jew, but I had an urge for Jewish traditions. I loved Jewish holidays. I liked matsa and all delicacies that could be made from matsa. I always fasted at Yom-Kipur I went to the synagogue in Podol I used to stand there a whole day when I was praying. I went to the second floor and stayed there until evening - this was mandatory for me. Judgment Day is a big holiday for us and I prayed for my loved ones: for the living and for the dead.

I've never been in Israel, but I always watch what is going on there. We cannot move there, though. Firstly, because we don't know the language. It is a terrible feeling when people say something and you do not understand a word. The climate there is different, and I am 90 already.

I have meals at the synagogue now. We are a family there. There are Jews that even don't know Yiddish. But I communicate in Yiddish with few people. We even sing songs when we enter the canteen. I like Yiddish. Every second month we go to Hesed. Hesed is a Jewish home where we get a wonderful reception and a lot of attention. We attend concerts and lectures there. We enjoy our visits. Our body and soul rest when we are among our people. It is very interesting to be there. I don't know what I would do if it were not for the canteen and Hesed. I have a small pension and the synagogue and Hesed provide big support to us.