What happened in Letters from Rifka?
Letters from Rifka is the story of a young Russian-Jewish girl and her family who leave their homeland in 1919 to travel to America. Persecuted in Russia by the soldiers and others who dislike Jews, Rifka’s family makes their way across Russia to Poland and the U.S.
Why did Karen Hesse Write Letters from Rifka?
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.
What is the theme of the book Letters from Rifka?
The American Dream Rifka’s family’s journey is in pursuit of their American dream; the idea that in the United States, anyone can succeed regardless of their family background, race, or religion. However, this idea is contradicted and mediated by several harsh truths about the reality of succeeding in America.
Is Letters from Rifka a true story?
Based on a true story from the author’s family, Letters from Rifka presents a real-life heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit.
How did Rifka get ringworm?
After going into Poland and getting infected with typhus, the rest of her family, besides Saul, got infected and had to wait to go to Belgium. Then, Rifka got ringworm when they were about to go to America from Belgium and she got left behind.
Why does Rifka’s mother take the candlesticks?
Why does Rifka’s mother take the candlesticks? She does not want the peasants to steal them. She hopes to use them as a weapon. They were a gift from her beloved sister.
Who is the main character in Letters from Rifka?
Rifka
SaulRifka’s fatherNathanRifka’s mother
Letters from Rifka/Characters
Is Rifka Russian?
The protagonist’s name, Rifka, is the East European Jewish version of Rebecca (Rivká in Modern Israeli Hebrew).
What are Rifka’s brothers names?
Letters From Rifka
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Who are Rifka’s older brothers? | Isaac, Reuben, and Asher |
| What have Rifka’s brothers done? | They have saved money from their work in America and have sent money to Warsaw for Rifka’s family to buy steamship tickets. |
| How long have Rifka’s brothers been gone? | 14 years |
What do mama and papa give Rifka just before they part?
How does she feel about her actions? Mama gives Rifka a locket and Papa gives Rifka a tallis which is a prayer shawl.
Where are Rifka and her family heading as she writes her letter?
Rifka and her family are going to Poland.
What does Rifka say she will do when she reaches America?
What does Rifka say she will do when she reaches America? Rifka says she will do everything when she reaches America. Why is the Pushkin book of poetry so important to Rifka? The Pushkin book of poetry is important to Rifka because her cousin Tovah gave it to her so she can learn.
What is the plot of Letters from Rifka?
Letters from Rifka is the story of a young Russian-Jewish girl and her family who leave their homeland in 1919 to travel to America. Persecuted in Russia by the soldiers and others who dislike Jews, Rifka’s family makes their way across Russia to Poland and the U.S. However, Rifka encounters many difficulties along the way.
Who is Rifka Hesse?
Karen Hesse’s personal tale won her the Jewish Book Award and Christopher Award for young readers in 1992. Rifka’s tale is one of a strong willed young girl who in another era could have been considered for politics or any other leadership position.
Who is Karen Hesse in the letter to her cousin?
In letters to her cousin, a young Jewish girl chronicles her family’s flight from Russia in 1919 and her own experiences when she must be left in Belgium for a while when the others immigrate to America. Karen Hesse is an American author of children’s literature and literature for young adults, often with historical settings.
What is the best study guide for letters from Rifka?
Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of “Letters from Rifka” by Karen Hesse. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.