[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      RECOGNIZING FREYDA SCHNEIDER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH D. MORELLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2026

  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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