Rebecca Reiff, known throughout her life simply as Rena, was born in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, on 13 March 1926 to Morris & Leah Abrahamson. She was born into a family that represented a new generation of African-born Jews. Her parents had come from the very different world of Eastern European Jewish life and established themselves in Bulawayo. Rena, by contrast, was born and raised in Southern Africa. Her childhood therefore stood at the meeting point of two worlds: the traditions and memories of her parents' Eastern European origins and the distinctly Southern African society in which she grew up.
In her youth she attended Eveline School in Bulawayo and was also interested in playing piano and entered several Eisteddfods at the Royal College of Music in Bulawayo. After her school years, she attained diplomas in book-keeping and typing.
In July 1, 1947, Rena married Frederick “Fred” Reiff and together established their home and raised their family in Bulawayo. They had three children, David, Leora and Hylton.
At that time, her father Morris, her husband, Fred and brother, Abe were running a large men's clothing factory, Matabeleland Clothing Company, and in 1965, they decided to diversify into women's fashions. Rena and her sister-in-law, Anita entered the business in 1965, managing Heidi Fashions, whereby Rena took care of all the administrative duties.
Having been interested in Zionist and Communal activities since early childhood, she was a keen member of the Zionist Youth Movement, Habonim, where she held the position as senior Madricha for many years. Also then active in Zionist Youth Society and Young WIZO, she was member of the Rhodesian Zionist Council and raised funds for the Hebrew University Campaign. Also first Chairman of Junior Hebrew Congregation and as a member of the Bulawayo Hebrew Congregation choir for 26 years.
Executive positions held:
Campaign Convenor/Vice Chairman/Chairman/ Hon Treasurer of the Bulawayo Women's Zionist Society (1952-1962).
Treasurer/Vice Chairman/Chairman of the Jewish Women's Communal League (1960-1965).
Treasurer of Parkview Sports Club and Bulawayo Jewish Guild.
Treasurer/Hon-Treasurer and Parents & Friends of Habonim Committee.
Co-Vice Chairman of C.A. Women's Zionist Council.
Hon-Treasurer of the C.A. Home For The Aged (Savyon Lodge) where she devoted over 30 years of service and was elected Hon Life Vice President in 1993.
In 2003, Freddy & Rena attained their Canadian Citizenship and emigrated to Toronto, Canada to join their children and grandchildren. Sadly, Fred passed away in April 2013.
In March 13, 2026, Rena celebrated her 100th birthday—a remarkable milestone representing not merely longevity, but a living connection between generations and between the very different worlds in which her family has lived. Her life spans an extraordinary century: from the small but flourishing Jewish community of colonial-era Bulawayo, through the transformation of Rhodesia into Zimbabwe, the dispersal of much of the community in which she grew up, and ultimately to a new chapter of family life in Canada.
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