The shorthand typist went on to teach secretarial studies at Hertfordshire College of Further Education before retiring. Hannah, 88, takes Yiddish conversation classes at Edgware Reform, Limmud and Jacs. She was a founder member of the Edgware Reform day centre in the 1970s
Why these organisations?
I’ve always liked helping people, spending my time usefully. I visited refuseniks in Russia primarily to give support and communicate with Yiddish speakers. Visiting the refuseniks brought my Yiddish back to life, and I realised there was an interest in its culture. My volunteering since then has been focussed on Yiddish — language, conversation and song.
What does your volunteering involve?
Taking groups for discussion of current affairs and Yiddish conversation, stimulating memory and communication through discussion and song.
What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
It is wonderful seeing the happiness that Yiddish reminiscence brings to participants.