Hadassa Podkoritov (cont.)
We left off talking about how there was no eruv in Chișinău, and you explained to readers what an eruv is.
Yes, there was no eruv, but the Chișină community kept developing, laying the foundation of Jewish life that eventually became a real support system for my family.
When my children were very young, I sometimes spent the entire Sabbath at home – without an eruv, I couldn’t take the stroller outside. Even when the kids got a little older, the restrictions remained: they could walk to the synagogue themselves, but I couldn’t take water or tissues with me.
It was not easy. Essentially, I needed to move somewhere where Jewish life was established – I really wanted my children to grow up within a community.
That’s why we decided to move to Canada. We arrived in Toronto and quickly got to know everyone. The first person I met here was Rabbi Zaltzman. Gradually, I started settling in and building my Jewish life in Canada.
My eldest daughter went to the Jewish school Or HaEmet, which was right across the street from our home – it was very convenient. I am very grateful to the community for the warmth my children received. At that time, I was worried because my sister had moved to Newmarket, and I was alone in Toronto.
My younger daughter went to the JRCC Preschool and stayed there until reaching school age. It was important for me that she be in trustworthy care. What I heard about JRCC, and what I saw, gave me confidence: my child was in good hands. She would be fed. If I forgot to pack mittens, they would call and say: “Don’t worry, we have spares, she won’t be cold.” I knew my little one was being looked after. At that time, that was my top priority.
I devoted a lot of time and energy to work, and the support I received from the community was enormous. Not a single day in Toronto did I feel alone or overlooked – I felt like part of a big family. Sometimes I didn’t even have to call – they would call me. “Hadassa, do you have plans for Shabbat? Where will you be for Sukkot? Are your days already scheduled?” They knew I couldn’t build a sukkah in a rented apartment. They asked, “Do you have food? Do you have Passover groceries? Do the children have everything, their clothes?” It’s impossible to convey in words. Thanks to this support, it was much easier for me to get on my feet in Canada. Today, thank G‑d, everything is going well. My eldest daughter is now in high school; last year she had her graduation ceremony. My younger daughter will have her Bat Mitzvah this summer.
I work at a law firm. In fact, I got the job through the Jewish community – with help from JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services). When I first arrived, I registered with them; they helped me prepare my resume. I persistently asked for work, sent resumes, attended networking events. One day they called and said, “An immigration attorney, Jane Katkova, needs a secretary. Will you take it?” I agreed and have been working there for eight years. Jane is an exceptional person.
I understand you are very busy with work, children, and home. Do you have any hobbies or personal pursuits?
Almost no time. But I love to read – usually I manage a little on Shabbat. Other than that, there’s hardly any time. I leave early for work, come back to pick up the children from school, and take them to various activities. They have different interests and projects. My younger daughter does art and is very talented – I try to nurture that. My eldest takes French and math and has her own volunteer programs and youth club. Their evenings are scheduled, and I adjust to make sure everything runs smoothly. We usually get home around nine in the evening, then prepare for the next day.
What are your hopes and dreams for your family? How do you see the future?
Right now, all my goals are connected to my children. I want them to succeed, to have the decent life I came here for and work so hard for. I want them to thrive. And I will always be there to celebrate their achievements. My younger daughter recently said, “I will have five children. You’ll be busy.” So I don’t have to worry about my future activities.
Thank you very much. May G‑d bless you with health, strength, and abundant blessings, so that your plans – as a Jewish mother dedicated to giving her children a Jewish life – come true. May G‑d guide you in raising your Jewish family.
Amen!
