Disciplines

Jewish Studies

Abstract

Libby Hendler shared her life story, detailing her upbringing in the Bronx. Libby discusses her upbringing in a kosher home and her decision to maintain kosher practices initially. Libby shares that her mother kept a kosher home, and she continued this practice when she got married. She mentions having two sets of dishes, one for Passover and one for regular use. She recounts how she stopped keeping kosher after her daughter turned three, opting for non-kosher food during a vacation where kosher options were unavailable. Despite this change, she still has a strong aversion to certain non-kosher foods, such as shrimp, which she cannot eat. Born to a religious family, she attended Hebrew school and married a more knowledgeable Jew. Libby describes her neighborhood as predominantly Jewish, with her father being the synagogue president. She shares her dislike for the High Holidays parades and her family's ordinary, non-wealthy lifestyle. Her mother was a skilled cook and seamstress, while her father worked in the garment industry. She elaborates on her mother's role as a homemaker who shopped at Alexander's. She also talks about her aversion to cooking.

Libby described her neighborhood's Jewish community, her education at PS 50, Herman Ritter, and James Monroe High School, and her involvement in social activities like Mahjong. She discusses the local amenities in her neighborhood, including Alexander's, the butcher, the foodman, and the candy store. She recounted her career path, including jobs at the Empire State Building and American Home Products, and her long marriage. She describes meeting her husband at a social event and their courtship, including their lack of a formal engagement and her preference for a watch over an engagement ring. Libby also touched on her children's achievements and her current hobbies. Libby shares her address, 1690 Longfellow Avenue, and her fondness for driving around the neighborhood to reminisce. She talks about her education, attending various schools, and her academic achievements, including awards and being voted the Outstanding Senior. Libby mentions her younger sister, who lives in Spokane, Washington, and their close relationship. She shares her sister's move from California to Washington and their frequent phone calls. The conversation ends with Libby expressing gratitude for the meeting and wishing Reyna Stoyvall well with her project and career. She reflects on her lack of ambition and her daily life contentment. She expresses her gratitude for her current life and ability to move around despite her hip problem.

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