Recognizing Freyda Schneider

Floor Speech

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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize an exceptional arts educator, theater producer, and community leader from Rochester, New York: Freyda Schneider.

Freyda Schneider is best known as the founder and longtime director of TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy), the children's theater program at the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester. A lifelong member of the Rochester JCC community, she co-founded TYKEs in 2004 with a vision of providing high-quality theatrical experiences that foster creativity, literacy, empathy, and self-expression among children and families.

Under her leadership, TYKEs grew into one of the region's leading children's theater organizations, offering professional productions, school programs, summer camps, and youth workshops that have enriched the lives of countless young people across the Rochester community. Through her work as a producer, educator, and collaborator on original theatrical works, Freyda has consistently demonstrated the power of the arts to bring people together and strengthen community bonds.

Her contributions have also helped preserve and elevate Jewish storytelling and cultural education. As co-producer of SURVIVORS, a theatrical production sharing the testimonies of Holocaust survivors in the Rochester community, she helped ensure that these important stories continue to educate and inspire future generations.

Freyda Schneider's career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to education, creativity, and Jewish communal life. During Jewish American Heritage Month, it is especially fitting that we honor individuals who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our communities and preserve shared cultural heritage. I am proud to recognize her and extend my deepest gratitude for her continued service.

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