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Many of our members became involved with M’Yad L’Yad through friends, co-workers or family members. Such was the case with Hinda Ritigstein, on whom today’s Spotlight brightly shines.Hinda Ritigstein Hinda was introduced to M’Yad L’Yad by a long time close friend, our treasurer Renay Weisberg. Hinda was immediately taken by the warm welcome she received while attending her first meeting at Renay’s suggestion. “I was impressed with the friendliness of the bright, caring people who filled the room,” she said. “As a social worker interested in helping individuals and communities, I found the M’Yad L’Yad mission harmonious with mine.” Providing material items to those in need plus giving anonymously really appealed to Hinda’s sense of charity.
Hinda is a former Executive Board member, currently a Board member, and assists with the preparation of our spring fund raiser and with other responsibilities as they come up. She spoke warmly of her recipient, who is a bright, lovely woman who has been sharing life experiences with Hinda through letters for the past six years. Hinda states that “Although we have, of course, never met, and only know each other by first names, we have a warm relationship in which I receive as much as I give.”
Hinda was born and raised in Riverhead with her two older brothers. Her parents were prominent members in the community, and were the founding members of Temple Israel of Riverhead in 1947. Being involved with the many charitable activities of the Riverhead community was an important part of her family life.
Hinda received a BA in Sociology from Russell Sage College, an MS in teaching from LIU, and an MSW in social work from Adelphi. She taught for a few years, raised a family and later became a social worker in the East Islip School District from which she recently retired.
Hinda has been married 43 years to Jerry, a semi-retired psychologist with a successful private practice. Together they have two sons, both lawyers, two daughters-in-law, both lawyers, and three young grandchildren, not lawyers, yet.
Hinda is a very busy lady. In addition to her work with M’Yad L’Yad, she is a member of a professional women’s group, an investment and book club, plays canasta, bridge and mah jongg, enjoys walking and bike riding, travels extensively and spends time with her many friends and family. Hinda is yet another example of the bright, active, educated, socially sensitive men and women who help make M’Yad L’Yad the unique organization that it is.
