When I was little I’d badger my grandparents for stories about growing up in Russia. My grandparents tried to honor every request I made of them but they refused to talk to me about their early years in the town of Berdichev. Or their journey from Russia to America.
After I grew up I still ached to know about my roots. My grandparents, who had passed away, could no longer tell me their stories. But my grandfather’s baby sister, Lucy, was able and willing to talk to me about her own childhood.
Letters From Rifka is largely inspired by my great aunt’s early experiences.
The next time you are visiting with the elders in your family try to get them to tell tales about their childhood. I’m willing to bet you have more than a few treasures growing on your own family tree.
karenhesseblog 
Thankfully, you learned about her life and were able to share it so eloquently through Rifka’s eyes. I am asking more questions of my aunts because I know how valuable it has been for you!
How happy that makes me, Julie.
did rifka lucy got married did she ver knew something about the russian guy and did she had son
Thank you for your questions, Esther. We will never know what happened to the fictional Rifka after the last page of the book but my Aunt Lucy did marry. She and my uncle had two daughters. She never saw the little boy she met on Ellis Island again.
thank you for answering i really appreciate it and i have one more question what happen to her family in russia in new york? thank you again
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Esther, myy family moved all around the country in the following years though most settled in New York and Maryland. My family in Russia perished during the Holocaust.
thank you i have alot of more questions but i dont want to take your time anyway thank you
I was wondering how much like your aunt Rifka is and what your aunt went on to do when she entered America. I enjoyed this story very much.
Susan, thank you for your kind comment. My aunt was very much like Rifka in so many ways. She went on to become active in the Union Movement in the U.S., striving for safe working conditions and better pay for all.