Disciplines

Jewish Studies

Abstract

“Robin” was born in 1944. Her parents were both born in the United States, with her mother’s family immigrating from Ukraine. “Robin” grew up on 205th street in an apartment until she turned 12 and her family moved to a two-family home on 208th street. While the 205th street area was both Irish and Jewish, the 208th street neighborhood was mostly Jewish. She attended PS 56, which was considered experimental because they learned Spanish in 6th grade. “Robin” remembers biking, playing basketball, and taking ballet classes.

“Robin” traveled with her family to beaches such as Fire Island, Rye Beach, and Orchard Beach. Within the Bronx, they dressed up to go to the Bronx Zoo or visited the Botanical Gardens, while doing their shopping on Fordham Road. “Robin”’s father was an electrical contractor and her mother stayed home to take care of “Robin”’s sick aunt. She did not enjoy school as she got older, wanting to focus on her dancing and acrobatics. In high school, she was able to get a job as a key punch operator. “Robin” enjoyed going down to Greenwich Village for the music and the art shows.

“Robin”’s family was not very religious, and kept only certain kosher-style rules, like not eating milk and dairy together. She began working after high school and worked in architectural firms and interior design. While she moved into Manhattan, she often returned to the Bronx for shopping and stayed with her family, sleeping in her old room. “Robin” shares she has pleasant memories of growing up in the Bronx, spending time with her family and making lifelong friends.

Keywords: Ukraine, Westchester, Fire Island, Greenwich Village, art, PS 56, JHS 80, Evander, friendship

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