tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:/blogs/our-missionj
Our Missionj
2022-08-15T23:40:55-07:00
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
false
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/7038814
2022-08-15T23:40:55-07:00
2023-10-16T08:01:54-07:00
Shabbat in Ożarowice and Tisha B'Av in Oswiecim
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/41d7eddcee0dd7a9a880ee14d7e88dd682eb5649/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-07-at-12-19-37-pm-3.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/b29c60c9679d199fff059aa57755f45a0ffa1a01/original/img-622fef9145bd-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/56f989d785b6bd712ec92c097b563f6bff43d8e4/original/img-8fec9aba4de7-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/fff7c853da4e8509472d2865b5c93ac13acb0a78/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-07-at-12-19-39-pm-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/39a8df8ffae86dd81d847c88fa13e038f4ce767f/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-07-at-12-19-38-pm-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/cb44b233a9cdfb0f234cb1b9b50b1a08545363b2/original/screen-shot-2022-08-15-at-11-28-42-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">My dear friend Witold invited Kelley and me to spend Shabbat in his home, along with several others. It was indeed a Shabbat of rest and peace. Shabbat was on the 9th of Av, so the observance was postponed to the next day. We had the Bialobrzeski family--Rafael, his wife Channah, and daughter Hadassah with us. They are some of the most delightful people I have met in Poland. Rafael has Jewish roots but is in the process of converting. He has worked very hard to have a Jewish family life, teaching his son Elazar and daughter Hadassah the tradition. They are presently living in Dynow, where there is a Hasidic enclave. Hadassah sang Hebrew songs with us and chanted the hamotzi at every meal. While we did not have a minyan, we prayed beautifully, studied Torah, shared tasty homemade meals, conversation and learning. He hopes to have his official conversion before his son Elazar becomes bar mitzvah in January. Motzei Shabbat Witold took us on a tour of the city of Katowice and his old stomping grounds. He also showed us the office of the Gemina for the region. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The next day, we traveled to Oswiecim, better known as the town where Auschwitz was situated. A synagogue is still standing there, and I walked in, awestruck. First, there was still a synagogue so close to the gas chambers and horrors going on right outside the village. Secondly, it had been restored and is a shul filled with siddurim and all of the implements needed for Jewish prayer. I sat on the floor along with those in the sanctuary and chanted Eicha, Lamentations. I recalled the many souls that left this world so close by in a soft voice. Lamentation could not have been a more appropriate word to describe this feeling. Between chapters, Rivka (Iza), Kelley, and I sang fitting songs--but the most incredibly moving moment (I have tears as I write this) was Hadassah, daughter of Rafael and Channa, singing Ani Ma'amin. Her innocent and pure voice filled the silence with the cries of thousands of souls. At the same time, her gentle voice left us with a glimmer of hope--that her voice and others like her will carry the flame of Yiddishkeit into the future. It is a moment that I will never forget. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Pawel Spiewak gave a lecture in Polish about Tisha B'Av and its relation to the events in Oswiecim and tragedies throughout history. I put on tefillin and davened mincha, and afterward, we broke our fast. It was a day filled with meaning, sadness, and hope. We then headed back to Warsaw for our flight home the next day. </span></p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/7037715
2022-08-14T11:33:40-07:00
2022-08-14T14:08:16-07:00
Another Chelm Story and Ukrainian Fundraising Concert
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/cd51a40200e40a071690c0716e61f3fc6f31b860/original/screen-shot-2022-08-14-at-11-21-18-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/5c43e4d2de91d21e3ee8c7c67f0dcdc1cb400046/original/img-2037.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/47b49b5046250e3bea737ec41b2f92ddeb4696ae/original/view-recent-photos.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/ceda35bf38c546384afa4d296ac3a17560a20eac/original/screen-shot-2022-08-14-at-11-22-15-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/c4fc916e0d8729c3ce99a85ae05ff41ad0c59cb8/original/img-1906.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/afbef8be5e9429bae0efd7edcc2966867404b8b2/original/img-1898.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/dd39459913da34ebf59879959a7b5431b22c81e6/original/img-ee50b501a5e5-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/19015528ee8b8130a31e6961dd302ca7d15521c4/original/img-7b6883009640-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Chelm deserves, as usual, her own blog. Charming and beautiful, yet mysterious and quirky. Arriving there on Friday, we went directly to an apartment to settle in for Shabbos. It was supposed to be on the first floor instead of three flights of stairs. Not for Kelley (though she has been terrific getting around in Poland!), and even for me, it was just a hassle. It was hot, stuffy, musty and the bed was a pull-out. So we left the apartment and went to a hotel—-with air conditioning! In a newly renovated room, we noticed a smell. It was probably the sewage system, but with the window open and the a/c on, we could deal with it. But, Saturday night there was a wedding! You can't stay in a Polish hotel where there is a wedding because you will never sleep. So, Saturday night, we moved to another hotel out in the country. A beautiful lake, willow trees—it was lovely. But no a/c. So we had to keep the window open. You guessed it—a party at the lake went on until about midnight. I couldn't close the windows and had to deal with the noise. Next night back to the first hotel. </p>
<p>Okay, Chelm—but the people therein are friendly, and the one or two Jews and those interested in Judaism are warm, helpful people. We did a Shabbat service outdoors at the Chelm Museum. The courtyard could not hold another soul. It was. a service/concert and people just loved it. They sang, laughed, stood in solidarity, and treated us with great love and respect. Dorota, who arranged everything, is one of the kindest and warmest people I know. She stayed with us at every step, helping us with our logistical problems and advising us on everything. Her wonderfully delightful and cheerful voice I can still hear in my head. She is a gift to the Jewish people. Then there is Mariusz, part of the Baptist Church and a great friend of the Jewish community. I met with his pastor, Reverend Henryk Skrzypkowski, and heard the story of the Ukrainian refugee situation. We then went to the warehouse where big semi trucks drive into Ukraine to deliver supplies. The entire church was filled with over 100 people living and eating there. After seeing the warehouse, I gave him some funds that we had raised for this operation that is saving lives every day. I spoke with volunteers in the warehouse and saw the tons of food and supplies waiting for the next truck to arrive. I want to do more. More details as I return. After Chelm, I traveled back to Warsaw to visit and continue having conversations with some of the people involved in the work that I am doing. After that, Rivka traveled with us to Krakau to do a fundraising concert at the Muzeum Galicja to support the Ukrainian refugees. </p>
<p>We sang for a very appreciative audience, including Ukrainian families, Krakau Jews, and tourists. We collected a tidy sum of money to buy an ambulance for the Ukrainian people. I pledged money to the organization that we will send directly from my fund to them. I also sang a song by Frank Knight and Tom Paxton called Hardly Ever Again. It talks about the fact that events that we say should happen "never again" keep happening. Every few years, another verse is written, and I wrote the last verse below about Ukraine: </p>
<p>Hardly Ever Again </p>
<p>Words and music </p>
<p>Hank Knight and Tom Paxton ©1994 </p>
<p>In '45, remember when </p>
<p>The world said, "Never, never again! </p>
<p>Never again: six million lost; </p>
<p>Never again: The Holocaust. </p>
<p>"Never," we said, "Never again," </p>
<p>But this is now and that was then. </p>
<p>Chorus: </p>
<p>"Hardly ever again." </p>
<p>Is that what we meant to say? </p>
<p>"Hardly ever again." </p>
<p>Will we turn and walk away? </p>
<p>This is now and that was then; </p>
<p>And we meant "hardly ever again." </p>
<p>The sun shines bright on the bayonet blade; </p>
<p>Rape is a weapon just like a grenade. </p>
<p>Bosnian towns lie in rubble and ash, </p>
<p>And the mortar explodes with a sickening crash. </p>
<p>"Never," we said, "Never again," </p>
<p>But this is now and that was then....Chorus </p>
<p>When the devil on horseback comes with his gun, </p>
<p>African children die on the run; </p>
<p>Their blood and their tears fall in the sand </p>
<p>Staining the ground, soiling the land. </p>
<p>"Never," we said, "Never again," </p>
<p>But this is now and that was then. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chorus </p>
<p>The TV reporters stand out in the street </p>
<p>Their cameras pan the dead at their feet. </p>
<p>With a button the image is at our command, </p>
<p>And the "lords of the earth" carve up the land. </p>
<p>Oh, "Never, "we said, "Never again," </p>
<p>But this is now and that was then....Chorus </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Ukrainian families are buried in pits </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Russian soldiers take aim they don't care who they hit </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Putin says bomb everything that's in sight </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>They kill and they rape and they think it's alright </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> Oh, "Never, "we said, "Never again," </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>But this is now and that was then.....Chorus </em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>But this is now and that was then. </p>
<p>We meant hardly ever again. </p>
<p>It is hard to believe that history repeats itself over and over, especially on the ground where the Holocaust occurred. Did we mean to say: "Hardly Ever Again?" </p>
<p>So sad and horrible that people in this region are fleeing their homes and facing such destruction. Pray and pray for peace, my friends.</p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/7034488
2022-08-09T21:28:07-07:00
2022-08-12T14:48:50-07:00
Dancing the Hora with a Catholic Priest
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/c8f5dcebe8691c9548f1ab713c14321e453d3692/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-01-at-12-36-16-am.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/973aa8fe7b7387bfc882ee233b851a1c1e23ff4c/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-02-at-2-25-22-am-9.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/5d9355d0894bcb1db4a8e2aa5cba81c2f17cb3e6/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-02-at-2-25-22-am-10.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/e8a34461aae55524a135d323f29deca1c4d9289b/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-02-at-2-25-22-am-4.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/b67dd1fdabb6463c69f6c4e704b3932fc578da00/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-02-at-2-25-21-am.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/76ce5df232bb4a40fa7a73d90c0d4475ff6a70ce/original/whatsapp-image-2022-08-02-at-2-25-22-am.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dancing the Hora with a Catholic Priest </p>
<p>No, it isn't the start of a joke. Last year I went to the town of Wojlawice near the border of Ukraine. I wrote about it in my blog in November 2021. When I was at the synagogue, the town's president told me about an interfaith program and festival that takes place every summer. Programs occur at the Polish Catholic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the synagogue/museum. So this summer, we came to play at this special event. I sang in the synagogue, which, like every other in Poland, has acoustics that carries the voice with a beautiful reverberation that fills the room. I did a worship service—wore tefillin, my tallit, and sang the Shema, the Eil Malei Rachamim for the Holocaust, chanted the Kaddish Yatom (mourner's kaddish), and Kelley and I sang the 23rd psalm. I projected the Hebrew and the Polish on a screen for all to see and understand the words. <br>Then I did a program on Tisha B'Av. I used an online slide program, and my translator read the screen. I talked of all the expulsions and tragedies, but I did mention that Poland allowed Jews to live there for 1,000 years in varying stages of existence, from being in business to being needy and poor. I said that we have to approach this observance with hope and despair, just as Moses, in his frustration, said, "Eicha" how can I deal with these people? But he did, and the nation of Israel finally stood on its own feet. So there is hope, and so, Kelley and I sang Hatikvah. The program finished with the museum director teaching everyone to dance the Zemer Atik. To our surprise and joy, the Catholic priest in his priestly robes danced with us. See the photos—it was terrific! </p>
<p>After the service, we went to the town square for a music festival—Rivka and Kelley sang, and I played guitar and fiddle. It was a lot of fun, and we had a big crowd. It was an uplifting experience, but as always, we were struck at the lack of any Jewish people. This was the very place my father and his family lived before the war. And now there are none--at least who identify as Jewish. It felt good to bring our culture and our religion into the sights of people who don't know who Jews are. Perhaps one or two might surface and wonder how they can learn more about their identity. </p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/7029732
2022-08-03T03:47:07-07:00
2022-08-03T04:45:14-07:00
Seminar and Concert/Service
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/a31700f5b0f6d8a13fdaec779d140d514c42ce90/original/b707f152-1601-4274-aacf-46aa2a2175be.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/c9660f9868a6707ce85bab0f6550565d021c6f81/original/9cdcf94d-3b91-4040-ba1b-b8084cfefff2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/b341cdbb3b43f607518b6d406401f585d2a94416/original/img-4124.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/60e0e1e40ec83e1623e4a157b1763d3175af2c06/original/img-4119.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/8a72d212671eec0f4be0cc3608e7877626d697b7/original/img-4118.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/f2a01ef4ada384918e6c88f025f5d9e5c16f2059/original/img-1812.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/fb313c7bd9b0b06b2d22eb57642740b926916a4a/original/img-1820.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kazimierz and Lublin </p>
<p>We stayed in Radom on Sunday night after the concert in a brand new hotel. It was lovely. Then we traveled the next day to Kazimierz to begin the long-awaited seminar. We started on Tuesday with an in-depth journey through the weekday evening service, exploring the history, the language, and the music. We then learned with Professor Spiewak about Pirkei Avot. Afterward, we had a wonderful zoom lesson on Mussar from Rabbi Dina Rosenberg from the United States. All of these learning opportunities led to the extensive conversation about Jewish life in Poland--both historical and religious. The discussion was always lively, at times too enthusiastic (LOL), but always led to the same conclusion--we need in Jewish communal life in Poland so man things. When the time is right, I will reveal! </p>
<p>The most beautiful aspect of our seminar was that we came together with quite disparate points of view and managed to converse b'shem shamayim for the sake of heaven. </p>
<p>And we sang and played music!! </p>
<p>Thursday night, we traveled to Lublin and checked in to the Ilan Hotel. This hotel was the dormitory of the Chochmei Lublin Yeshiva, the place where my teacher Rabbi Lipman Radzik z'l studied. Quite odd that the dormitory was now a hotel with all of the trimmings of a four-star hotel. The wonderful thing about this place is that the synagogue is still intact--refurbished, but the same. I faced the ark and davened ma'ariv--it was chilling, inspiring, sad, and joyful. Just plain emotionally charged. Then Marcin and I did a concert. It was stunning. The UN sound of the sanctuary, the reaction of the public, and the venue felt dream-like. We finished the program and, on Friday, headed to Chelm for a Shabbat service at the museum in the courtyard.</p>
<p>But before leaving, we visited a school doing a summer program for Ukrainian and Polish children. I played music for them, and then we gave a donation to the school. Thank you, Irina, for allowing me to do such a mitzvah--the school is supported by Princess Irina, and she encouraged me to donate. It is an extraordinary place--the photo you see is a Ukrainian teacher in a Polish classroom--so that everyone can be encouraged to learn in the other's language. Also, there are many differently-abled students as well. </p>
<p>More about Shabbat in the next blog!!</p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/7027700
2022-07-31T11:09:39-07:00
2022-08-02T19:02:32-07:00
First Shabbat in Poland Summer 22
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/14c7a3de2e1144df828f312cc3c6693e7f57c92f/original/c1e5efa1-8687-4689-9ca9-69d304f6e693-1-105-c.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/667c35c045291f10adc1c0049b56a0f60f4deca8/original/bf2eac6c-a720-49bd-bfd7-d88572d332fb-1-201-a.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/6059b5ce033f29166f1298573001a8aae0f2521f/original/c6e20c43-d092-42af-bc2c-7175883cd2e9-1-105-c.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/b0609d5ec86bc1c0d662799b20c811204103add1/original/kelley-radom.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/008fa366bdf0b5da7ee20e9c5825fed4dc4c55e8/original/radom-mike-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/e27c8b02bf093a1ab7c63e070aa508ef1373b497/original/radom-4.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/d349e6bee09379c8947198c6145a2d2b930caee1/original/radom-2.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/cb123766fa971775f1bf863593a019f5597890b7/original/screen-shot-2022-07-31-at-8-08-34-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/b0206696aa17b242c0b9c1f688243734fd7fcd4f/original/screen-shot-2022-07-31-at-8-07-14-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>First Shabbat in Poland </p>
<p>We drove back from Ostroviec to Warsaw on Friday and checked in to the hotel. We participated in the March of Remembrance, directly afterward commemorating the deportation of the Warsaw Ghetto's Jews to the death camps. This march had at least a thousand people, including the President of Poland and the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Rabbi Shudrich. We were in the company of our dear friend, Pawel Spiewak, who was mentioned as the founder of this march. This attestation was an honor for us, who are his friends and colleagues. Each marcher was given a ribbon with the name of one of the souls sent to death. We carried those ribbons to the end of the march and tied them to the memorial made in their memory. </p>
<p>After the march, it was off to the Babel Klub, a library/meeting place where Jewish Historical Society members gather. The place was filled with people with loudly singing voices. We had a Kabbalat Shabbat service hosted by Beit Warsawa/Polska, the Progressive Jewish congregation. Marcin accompanied me on violin, and Henryk (one of my students) led the service parts of the service. What thrilled me was that Henryk sang many of my compositions for Shabbat, and instead of the English parts, he sang the Hebrew. It was spectacular!! It was a machaya!!!!! Note: I did the same on the following Shabbat! It worked great!!</p>
<p><br>On Shabbat morning, I went to Eitz Chayim, and they asked me to lead the service. I also read the maftir and the haftarah. It was a lovely service. After my shluff, I went to the Nozyk Synagogue, where I davened mincha. We ate and sang for a long time until maariv. I left a little early to be with Kelley before the end and davened on my pleasant walk back to the hotel. </p>
<p><br>The next day we drove to a place near Radom, to do a concert at the favorite hang spot of Boleslaw Lesmian, the great Polish poet who was Jewish. The venue was beautiful -- I will have some photos in this blog. It was an enchanted place in a town called Ilza with an ancient castle overlooking the area. The concert with Marcin and Kelley inspired the crowd--we also sang Ukrainian songs since refugees were in attendance. <br>Next day we were off to Kaziemierz--more about that in the next blog! </p>
<p> </p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/7025056
2022-07-27T14:17:15-07:00
2022-08-12T14:48:50-07:00
From Israel to Warsaw
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/95bf748ef3ec16285e97ad317853e5f23d8d79f9/original/img-1752.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/51d2a5047ebbe9893977f3caf84c6a073bee81fa/original/img-1749.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>One of the best things I have ever done is to travel to Israel and sit on the beach in Tel Aviv for an entire week. No meetings, no calls--sleep, eat, swim, study, sleep--repeat daily. After that, our trip from Ben Gurion Airport to Warsaw was an ordeal of biblical proportions. We stood in line for three hours to get to the ticket counter, then security, the passport control--it was a nightmare. But we are here in Warsaw safely, and that is what counts! There are not enough employees in any travel industry, especially the airlines. And I realize that any connections on the flight home will be a disaster, so I am trying to change the reservation. <br>Here in Warsaw, I met with my student Rivka and a guitarist, and we rehearsed for our concert in Ostrowiec, Rivka's hometown. We will travel there tomorrow for a show in their opera house. These performances of Jewish songs will not just be an artistic showcase but an opportunity for those seeking out more Jewish content in their lives. We hope these concerts will inspire people to keep asking questions and form kehilot that would revive Jewish practice. <br>We are organizing with individuals on the ground working with refugees from Ukraine to bring them the funds that our friends in America so graciously donated. <br>I met with JTSA graduate Rabbi Małgorzata (Gosia) Kordowicz, who lives in Warsaw and teaches and works with the Jewish Community of Warsaw (Gemina). We discussed the challenges of being a female rabbi, especially in Poland. We take so much for granted in the U.S. I learned much about the history of Jewish life directly after the fall of the Soviet Union and how those who were thirsty for knowledge all of a sudden had learning opportunities never available during communist rule. <br>The concert in Ostawiec, Iza Rivka's hometown was fanastic. The venue was lovely in an outdoor setting, and over 150 people came--an impressive crowd for this concert series. For many relatives and townspeople, this was the first time Rivka "came out" as Jewish in a public setting. It was an extraordinary event; people were enthusiastic and engaged the entire performance. And Rivka made herself known, singing beautifully in Hebrew and Yiddish. I played on my new guitar and many solo fiddle tunes--five encores included klezmer, Irish, Israeli, and bluegrass. Kelley also sang with me. Unbeknownst to us, a hat was passed around the crowd, and we collected about 1200 zlotys, about 200 USD. We are giving it all to Ukrainian relief efforts. <br>We returned to Warsaw on Friday. That evening, Marcin and Henryk, two of my Shatz (prayer leader) Program students, joined me for a Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Babel Klub, a space dedicated to Jewish history and culture. The place was impressively filled with Jewish books and entirely with Polish Jews. Sponsored by Beit Polska/Warsawa this was meant to draw people into Jewish ritual and was a rousing success. <br>Shabbat morning, I davened at Eic Chaim, the progressive synagogue that is part of the Gemina. I read Torah and Haftarah and led a lot of the service. Once again, Jews filled the hall, engaged in prayer, and appreciated the music. I had the opportunity to daven a full Shaharit, which was a pleasure. For Mincha and Ma'ariv, I went to the Nozyk Synagogue, the only remaining synagogue in the main part of Warsaw (there were over 100 synagogues before the war). The Nazis used it as a stable, so they kept it intact. Now it is a beautiful Eastern European-style house of worship. I left at 9:45 pm to return to the hotel to see Kelley--Shabbat was not over until about 10:15 pm. Long day and long night. <br>In the middle of it all, I had excellent discussions with Jewish leaders about how to revive and invigorate Jewish life in Poland, establishing vital congregations that could support themselves and thrive. The most critical point of the discussions was that leadership needs to come from within Poland--those who study abroad or in Germany must come back and bring the juice that will keep the light of Jewish life glowing again. For the first time, I felt there could be a positive change in the landscape of Polish Jewry. Consider this: the Gemina's head is a rabbi from New York. The head of the progressive branches is a rabbi from Los Angeles. I am a "consultant"; as you know, I live in L.A. (go Dodgers! go Rams!) Why aren't the key figures native to Poland? That is our challenge, and I think that we may be close to coming to the answer. </p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6831009
2021-12-05T15:11:09-08:00
2022-05-29T09:11:58-07:00
Shabbat in Gdansk and Sopot
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/c907fd7f30cd54e32f0c362a04dece071b4ef80a/original/900f46b7-581a-4a79-89d9-a6d1435e942e-1-105-c.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/519bb30ad248bfa1c5e934a3e85f871956bbefbb/original/img-1024.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The train from Krakow to Gdansk/Sopot was almost six hours, but the most comfortable ride ever. The US Infrastructure bill barely passed, which would provide an opportunity to upgrade our rail system. With food, drinks, internet, and electric outlets, the high-speed train outclasses anything we have in the US. I spent a good portion of my trip questioning why our values in America don't include making life easier and more mobile, not just for the rich. People have been so kind, taking care of me at every turn. Adam Koren, a friend of Marcin, drove me from Warsaw to Krakow and then on my last day, to the train station. And like Marcin, he parked his car and made sure that I got on the correct train. Marcin and Iza were the best hosts that I could have. They went far beyond any expectations. I felt like royalty during my trip. People in other countries express their love and appreciation of music and musicians. I now know why so many musician friends moved to or toured in Europe. <br>When I got to Sopot, I checked in to the Sheraton Hotel. I needed to reward myself for the demanding schedule that I maintained. I had a room with a balcony directly overlooking the Baltic Sea. I had an indoor pool and spa. Quite exquisite. I had heard that my daughter-in-law's mom was very ill, and I put on my tefillin and davened by the window looking out at the beautiful scenery. Suddenly the ever-present cloudy skies turned blue, and a rainbow appeared over the sea. The "sign of the covenant" was a sign for our day because her mom miraculously recovered and was sent home the next day. <br>Many things like that happen when I travel. In Africa, there was a hole in my mosquito netting. I was carrying a Torah to bring to the Abayudaya community in Uganda. The tape used to adhere the scroll to the Atzei Chayim (the Torah handles) was a perfect patch for the netting. Also, the first time I was in Poland, in 2009, I davened Shaharit in Auschwitz with the Cantors Assembly. I walked over to block 15, where my teacher Lipman Radzik z'l was imprisoned and tortured, wearing my tefillin. I prayed there with him in my mind, and it was a profoundly moving moment. I realized that my tefillin were not on the bus on the return trip. I searched and searched, but I must have left them there. The next day, I was on a different bus that had returned from Auschwitz and found my tefillin there. I do not know how that was possible, but I thought that perhaps some soul needed my tefillin so that they could pray the following day. Rabbi Radzik used to watch me putting on tefillin and comment about how I did it with so much love and caring. <br>After a two-night stay in paradise, I rented a tiny apartment in the town. It was clean, warm, and had a balcony. I loved it! Thank you to Iza for finding it for me! </p>
<p>Friday night service was in Gdansk in a small room/apartment in town. We decided to sit and not be so formal, as only about 15 people were there. Through the evening, the number grew to over 20. There were only seven Jews, but several others were in the conversion process, and others were deeply interested in Judaism. We had a lovely Shabbat dinner and stayed many more hours to discuss Jewish matters. I loved teaching about the meaning of the prayers and connections to the Torah portion. Iza (Rivka) and Alina, both my students and prayer leaders, have been doing a fantastic job. People sang the prayers loudly, confidently, and in Hebrew throughout the service. What more could you ask? <br>On Shabbat morning, we had a service in the same place, and it was, once again, well attended with fantastic participation. We talked for hours after the kiddush lunch, mostly about conversion and Jewish life in Poland. Consistently, my love of Judaism in song and conversation seemed to inspire many people to research and learn more about their Jewish roots. That in itself makes my mission a success. <br>Havdalah in Gdansk was one of the most unusual experiences in my many years of working with Jewish communities worldwide. Because of the short turnover time in booking venues, we did a Havdalah concert in a church. Not a unique platform, but when we got there, there was no heat, incense was burning, and the images surrounding us were very imposing. I have never tried to play violin with a warm coat and a scarf wrapped around the place where my fiddle would usually sit. Nor with ice-cold fingers, colder than a Sunday morning Gospel show in early spring. We got through it, and the audience of over 60 people enjoyed it so much. We decided not to bench Havdalah as part of the show, and so afterward, we went to the back of the church, and about ten Jews stood around and chanted Havdalah in a place that has never seen anything like it--the priest also enjoyed it. The basis of interfaith work is this--if you educate people to our customs, if you sing with them, sit with them and interact in a meaningful way, you create peaceful existence. Like my beautiful friend Peter Yarrow says, create pools of peace, and eventually, they will turn into an ocean of change. <br>Sunday night was the first night of Hanukkah. Still the month of November but the 25th of Kislev nevertheless. I did a concert with Iza at a beautiful "black box" theater in Sopot. The place was packed, and the venue was professional, with great sound and lighting. Even the mayor of Sopot came by afterward because she had heard that the program was so sensational. One comment about the evening was very telling--I wore my fun Hanukkah tie, complete with dreidels and a menorah. I pointed it out to the audience, but most did not know the symbolism. I had to explain "dreidel" and the menorah to the listeners. There were just a handful of Jews, but many interested and some very curious. So many will say that they feel something in their soul about being Jewish, which explains their curiosity. <br>Special thanks to some beautiful people who made my journey to the Gdansk area special. Maciej Kostecki drove us everywhere, and whose Jewish neshama is an inspiration. Miroslaw Patalon, whose journey as a Jew by Choice is a fantastic story. Miroslaw is a professor with a tremendous intellect, understanding of Judaism and Hebrew, and a love of Yiddishkeit. Kasia Mazurkiewicz was the interpreter during my classes in Poland and on Skype with my Polish students. She is one of the founders of the Gdansk Jewish Community, and her presence at all of the events in Gdansk made it very special--she was the one who insisted that we do havdalah at the church--a deeply inspirational Jewish soul. Thanks to Grzegorz Piekarski-Reifer who arranged for our concert in Sopot at that wonderful venue-the promotional, technical work really made it successful! And of course to Iza who took care of everything along the way and sang so beautifully in our concerts. My next stop is Warsaw amid a covid surge. Glad that I planned a return on Wednesday instead of the following week. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/4670fc31c643c28fa63d3f6971883c42ccdabfd8/original/gdansk-church.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6817313
2021-11-21T14:09:38-08:00
2022-07-30T04:58:42-07:00
Shabbat in Kraków
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/9dde0de6f2e37f55cd6a9ea9db9e532574ad7b96/original/img-0988.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Shabbat in Krakow </p>
<p>Leaving the Kazimierz Dolny area on Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to get a ride to Warsaw and then a few days later to Krakow. The best part about it was that the person who drove, Adam Koren (a dear friend of Marcin), is also a tour guide. We went off the main road a few times to visit several abandoned synagogues. No one has maintained them, and they represent what almost every single village in Poland once had--a shul. Now the gmina, the Jewish governance of each area, is supposed to caretake them. Every single one that I saw was in shameful disrepair. Of course, no one is using them. I had a thought. What if a Jewish group from Eastern Europe decided to restore one of these synagogues? And live close by, and create a commune or a kibbutz? This group can have its unique brand of Judaism, like thinking people who want to find the best path for their faith? You would be amazed at how little it costs to buy property in this area of the world. </p>
<p>On my arrival in Krakow, Alan delivered me to a beautiful apartment in the heart of the city. Within walking distance to the Museum of the Galicia and the JCC of Krakow. Friday night Rivka Foremniak and I did a Shabbat service at the Museum for congregation Or Hadasz. It was a beautiful and well-attended service. Quite frankly, we did much more of the liturgy than the abbreviated services in the Zoom USA world. It was lovely davening, and almost everybody sang-they knew the words and the melodies. Afterward, we had a kosher dinner at the JCC, which was delicious, and I had a wonderful conversation with the rabbi and with the director of the JCC. Of course, all of us are from New York, so, like Rabbi Shudrich, we had a lot of fun sharing stories and Torah learning. He did not expect me or Rivka to know the entire Birkat hamazon, but he had a big smile on his face when we reached the end. </p>
<p>The next day we had a service in the morning, but only two people were there as expected. But the two that attended were on a course towards conversion to Judaism. Much of the service was teaching--the meaning of the prayers, Torah, and Jewish philosophy. We had lunch afterward and continued our discussion. </p>
<p>After Shabbat, we had a havdalah service at the JCC on the top floor of the building, which had a clear view of the old town. It was a beautiful concert that many people attended—also, many members of the JCC choir. They invited me to rehearsal this week, but I think I will leave before then for Gdansk. I did talk about an arrangement of Peter Yarrow's "Light One Candle" earlier to the Tslil Choir in Warsaw, and so Peter and I spoke this evening about how to arrange to have the choral music delivered to the choirs. What a wonderful man--when I told him that I wanted the Jewish choirs to sing his song, he took his precious time to ensure they had what they needed. BTW, people who were at the concert also made plans to attend the next Kabbalat Shabbat service at Or Hadasz. One Jew at a Time!! </p>
<p>We are also instituting a once-a-month Shabbat service in Lublin and Chelm!! </p>
<p>I am having a relaxed couple of days here in Krakow. I bought perogies (my mom used to make them) and wanted to fry them, but I could not figure out how to make the electric range work, so I microwaved them in some butter. Not as good as fried but excellent with beer! </p>
<p>Ending this episode and look forward to having the time to continue writing.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/9dde0de6f2e37f55cd6a9ea9db9e532574ad7b96/original/img-0988.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6810578
2021-11-15T13:40:49-08:00
2022-08-01T04:11:23-07:00
Third Shabbat In Poland
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/4cea745f2dc38f91129595525f662aea83ed09b9/original/sztajn.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Where to begin? This past Shabbes was a fantastic experience in every way!! Lighting Shabbat candles in the synagogue in Chelm, where there has not been a service for 80 years, was a humbling experience. As I explained the meaning of lighting Shabbat candles, the metaphor of bringing light again into this space was profoundly moving. The service/concert I did with Marcin re-created the Shabbat service. I selected pieces that were both old and newly composed, including a nigun that Marcin wrote. We started with this beautiful nigun, and everyone caught on to the melody, filling the room with song. </p>
<p>The Shabbat meal that followed was alive with conversations about Jewish life in Poland, and one of our honored guests was a member of the Polish Parliament! This esteemed government member showed up at all three of the events sponsored by the Jewish community. </p>
<p>Shabbos morning, I slept in, and then we traveled to Wojsławice, where there is a newly restored synagogue. I walked in feeling sad, thinking about shuls that are now museums or restaurants. With no Jews to fill them, they are a memorial. I walked in, and it was a beautiful building. I stood on the bima and sang the Shema, and the sound was fantastic as the synagogues of Europe were acoustically beautiful. I started to walk around the display cases, and then I saw a book with photos of Jews who lived in the area. The museum's caretaker was a lovely man who, when he knew I was coming, set the photo book to a picture of the family Sztajn. I saw that picture and realized that I am only miles from the Ukraine border, where my father was born in Volyches'k. Could they be relatives? </p>
<p>I don't know. But when I realized that I needed a siddur for the first section of Havdalah, which I can never seem to memorize, there was a siddur written in Hebrew and Polish sitting on the stand that the Shaliach Tzibbur might have stood. I opened it up, the pages reflected the universal character of the Jewish prayer book, and there, where it was supposed to be, was the Havdalah service. The siddur did not turn my sadness to joy, but a spiritual feeling of familiarity, of being home, and my tears turned to the deep Jewish soul that, baruch Hashem, will always connect with the Holy One. That inspiration made the Havdalah ceremony and concert the best one yet. The President of the town (really the Mayor) made an excellent introduction and emphasized the importance of understanding and working with all faiths. I was surprised to hear his words, but in a sense, he does what I do in my world--work to bring people together. The evening was not a show, but a gathering meant to create understanding. Each year the Mayor presents a program that involves the Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and the synagogue. People go from one house of worship to another, and then they have an outdoor music festival. Of course, Marcin and I received an invitation to be part of the festival in July. </p>
<p>I returned to my Chelm hotel and got on a Zoom conference with all of my children, grandchildren, and my darling wife. Although it was not yet my birthday, we spent an hour together laughing and singing. Jared wrote a hilarious song and captured the 70 years, almost unbelievable doings of his father. It was the perfect birthday present. Funny note--one of my sons asked, "So what are you doing on your birthday?" I replied, "I am singing in a cemetery." That got a good laugh. But it is true. I sang at the anniversary of the clearing of the Chelm Ghetto, where 15,000 Jewish people met their death. The surnames of the families were read, including the name Sztejn. It was a moving moment. I then sang the Eil Malei Rachamim and said in English the words that I was saying in Hebrew. "Men, women, children--strangled, burned, murdered Kiddushat HaShem in the name of God." It was my birthday--but wasn't it poignant that 80 years after the horror, Am Yisrael Chai--the people of Israel live and thrive and make the world a better place. No better statement to make on my 70th birthday!!!! </p>
<p>Then we drove to Lublin to do a program at a shtieble shul on the second floor of a building that had survived the war. I had been there before, several years ago, and there did a little program there. The members and President of the Jewish Historical Society were there, and Hania, Professor Spiewak, Iza (Rivka), and people from Slupsk where I am performing a concert on the first night of Hanukkah. They had all come to celebrate my birthday with me, and Marcin brought a cake. It was a great evening, and the cake was delicious. The program was like a parlor concert and very intimate. People felt deeply moved by the music and stories of Jewish life. </p>
<p>What a weekend!! I am off to Warsaw tomorrow and then to Krakov for the Shabbat. I am a little tired, but I am getting the opportunity to sleep in and take care of myself. Thanks for listening, Mike</p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6804789
2021-11-10T13:03:02-08:00
2022-06-01T18:03:46-07:00
Miecmierz
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/9a84d1e30dbcf2c35a0c4af95d543227ae796c16/original/screen-shot-2021-11-10-at-9-58-32-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/94df1c7f0bb9707947b189981cfbd3d7fa3c4187/original/screen-shot-2021-11-10-at-9-59-06-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Miecmierz, Poland </p>
<p>I have been here in Miecmierz for three days, and each day I am working with Marcin Krol on recording new music. It is a blast--he is one of the most incredible violinists that I have ever heard. I can't wait to share what we are doing with the world, but it will be an exciting new sound mixed with the old. <br>This little town sits on the banks of the Vistula River, not too far from Lublin. Tomorrow, I meet with the magnificent Professor Spiewak and our friends to continue our wonderful conversation in Zielona Gora. <br>Yesterday Marcin and I traveled to Lublin. I saw the doctor about my leg, and then we went shopping for some things that I need for my travels. </p>
<p>Then we are off to Chelm for Shabbes. </p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6800909
2021-11-07T02:51:47-08:00
2022-08-01T00:37:16-07:00
Shabbat in Zielona Gora
<p><a contents="See Polish Television News Story " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.zachod.pl/346628/upamietnili-ofiary-nocy-krysztalowej/">See Polish Television News Story </a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/35567a0047e38033c92d2219861c4e2ecb1ef877/original/zielona-gora-shul.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Shabbat in Zielona Gora </p>
<p>Sundown in Zielona Gora, November 5th, standing in front of yet another marker/monument in Poland. Yet this town was part of Germany when the war began. In this small area, the memorial with a Jewish star chiseled into the rock along with the date 09 XI 1938 and the shul's name sits eerily on the space where the synagogue's foundation once stood. With candles lit, the ceremony consisting of me singing Eil Maleh Rachamim moved me to tears. "Men, women, children, strangled, burned, murdered, who gave their souls in the Holiness of God's name." It was tough to do. The silence afterward was compelling as no one wanted to break the solemnity of the moment. There was so much to contemplate. Hania, the community leader, said at the end that it was up to us to stand strong with each other against this kind of hate and never let this happen again. </p>
<p>After this ceremony, there was a panel discussion about Kristallnacht in the town's main library. Following that, Marcin, Alexandra, and I performed a Kabbalat Shabbat concert in the library auditorium. I tied the musical pieces together with the blessings of Shabbat so that they would have relevance to the sanctity of the day. Someone recorded the concert, and I will make it available when I can. After the program, I spoke to many people. There was a woman there that had a strong desire to bring Jewish life back to Zielona Gora. She had gone to university in Bretzlov, and many vital programs were going on that included lectures and programs in the arts related to Judaism. She now lives in Zielona Gora and wants to re-create these things hoping that Jews like her would decide to explore their Jewish identity. I also met one of the most interesting, intellectual, and passionate heroes of Jewish revival, Professor Pawel Spiewak. We spoke extensively on Motzei Shabbat, and I could not get enough of his wisdom and expertise on Polish Jewry. He was the director of the Jewish Historical Society and Museum in Warsaw for ten years. His stories amazed me, and his vision of future projects about the situation in Jewish Poland is exciting and inspiring. I will work with him as much as I can in the future to further the cause of Polish Jewry. What a blessing it is to have met such amazing people on this journey. </p>
<p>I greatly miss Kelley, the grandchildren, my dog--oh yeah, and my kids. But, as those of you who know me, I am always up for an adventure—and this certainly qualifies! </p>
<p>We are heading back to Warsaw on the way to Kazimierz Dolny, where I will gather my thoughts and write some music with Marcin. I will need to see a doctor for my swollen ankle and make sure that the swelling and pain that I am still experiencing should be of concern while not too bad. Ahh, the sun is finally peeking out its head from amongst the eternally grey clouds. Maybe there is a rainbow at the end of the tunnel. It does not lead to a pot of gold, but rather to a glimmer of hope. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/5517788778f89c7dcaf8f2c493ec4a24444dd3f7/original/zielona-gora-prof-spiewak.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6797676
2021-11-03T16:18:51-07:00
2021-11-15T11:10:54-08:00
Warsaw Day 7
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/a6edd58208e837b046defcd6a857b207cf86539e/original/img-0892.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Another fantastic day in Poland. With limited mobility, I haven't been able to do everything that I wanted, but I still kept pretty darn busy. I met with my new friend Jose Florenko for coffee, and then we went to the Jewish Historical Institute to see the Vilna Ga'on exhibit. We also saw the presentation on the Oneg Shabbat group that maintained and hid written testimony from the Warsaw Ghetto. Incredibly moving and informative. But once again, the sadness and disbelief of how so-called human beings can behave is overwhelmingly difficult. Jose is an extraordinary artist, a mensch, and highly educated in Yiddishkeit. What a pleasure to hang with him. </p>
<p>After our little adventure, I had lunch with Joe, the Masorti Centrum Ki Tov congregation leader. We had very concrete discussions on moving forward, making his congregation stronger, and building a reputation as a home for Masorti Judaism in Poland. </p>
<p>Afterward, I visited the Warsaw Ghetto Museum offices, to visit with my friend Halina to listen to some music and get suggestions for Marcin and my musical project (more news on that soon). Then the boss comes in and asks if we want to go to the premiere of the movie Smierc Zygielbojma, The Death of Zygielbojm. It was a poignant movie about the efforts of Szmul Zygielbojm telling a deaf and dumb world about the mass murders going on in Polish death camps while he was part of the Polish government in exile. The indifference displayed by government officials in England was so depressing that he committed suicide. I believe that the message for the Polish government, whose ministry of culture was one of the sponsors of the film, was that the rest of the world was just as guilty as Poland for their reaction. Somewhere between righteous gentiles and Jewish hunting parties lies the highly complicated truth. </p>
<p>Super tired now and getting ready to leave tomorrow for Zeolona Gora near the German border. </p>
<p>I will hopefully write again tomorrow if I am not too exhausted by the trip.</p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6792428
2021-10-31T11:35:43-07:00
2022-05-19T22:08:52-07:00
Blog: First Shabbes
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/0927831a53fc83b3b2a0d2ba85171a0ab81f44ed/original/f0f65256-2d3a-4768-8f36-e8e616f22ab8.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />My first Shabbes in Warsaw got off to a flying start. Literally! I walked down the hotel's stairs to the lobby, did not correctly negotiate the last step, and flew onto the floor. Thank God I avoided broken bones. But I sprained my ankle, and it is swollen, a little painful, but mostly annoying. I was really enjoying walking—a lot!! So instead of walking to shul on my first Shabbat in Warsaw, I took an Uber to Masorti Centrum Ki Tov Synagogue. While in the Uber, Jared called me from his van, which had Jack and Jade inside, on their way to school—what a lovely way to start Shabbat and made me forget about the pain for just a little while. I gave everyone a Shabbat blessing, and it was a blessing for me. </p>
<p>The services were wonderful. The community leader, Joe Smoczynski invited me to lead whichever part I would care to, and his wife, Avigayl sang the rest. He also asked me "on the spot" to deliver a drasha. As part of my drash I said that we study every day, so we have something to share when this occurs. I talked about Avigayl leading the service in the place that Jews once thrived, and like the namesake of this week's parasha (Hayei Sarah), Avigayl is a pioneer in bringing Judaism back to Poland. Only this time, a woman is given the same opportunity as men to lead the prayers. </p>
<p>The next morning's service, I led the shaharit, read Torah, and delivered the drasha. It was on the most romantic piece of ancient literature ever written. Yitzhak is out in the field praying--could he have been praying that his new bride would be suitable for him? Meanwhile, Rivka spies Yitzhak in the field and is so overcome that she falls off her camel. I then went on to talk about the three daily services and that the mincha (afternoon service ) was instituted in honor of Yitzchak because he prayed in the field as the evening approached. </p>
<p>A Jewish doctor, Dinah, was there at the shul, and she examined my ankle, determining that it was not broken. Good news!! At the tisch, I taught againbut did not have my shoes on since my foot and ankle were slathered in Voltarin cream, which promotes healing or less pain. Either way, it worked great, but I have never taught in shul with my leg up on a chair with no socks. We do what we need to do! </p>
<p>I heard several stories from people who found out that they were Jewish when they were adults. Taken in by Catholic families, these Jews grew up in the Catholic faith—but then things like photo albums come out of the closet to reveal a Jewish family. One of the people said that his father gave him a package when he was a teenager—inside was a tallit and a kippah. He didn't know what it was, and nothing was explained to him. It took years to get the truth out of his very reluctant parents that they were actually Jewish. </p>
<p>Then for havdallah, we went to Ec Chaim to bensch Havdallah and I performed a little concert in honor of their 11th anniversary. I was joined by one of my students and a dear friend Marcin Krol who is a more than outstanding violinist. I also planned to be joined by the Masorti crowd, but there was a controversy about pandemic restrictions. But the program went on, and one day I pray that we will all sit at the table and work together to become stronger! </p>
<p>The concert was a huge success and the synagogue was completely full—every seat occupied. Afterward there was a reception, and it was beautiful to sit and talk to people who were part of that congregation. I also got to meet an extraordinary man, Jose Maria Florencio, a world-renowned conductor who came from Brazil and moved to Poland in the 80's. His list of accomplishments is awe-inspiring—you should google him. At Masorti Centrum Ki Tov I heard him singing in the congregation. I could have sat and just listened to him! His pronunciation was perfect, and his Judaic knowledge was evident. We talked both Friday night and Saturday, and then he was at the Saturday night concert. I was deeply honored that he enjoyed my singing and my teaching. I hope to continue to get to know this great man. <br>Today, Sunday, I rehearsed with a wonderful singer at the University of Warsaw, named Alexandra Idkowska. She will sing in Yiddish, Polish and Hebrew as Marcin and I accompany her on guitar, violin and harmony vocals. This concert will be in Zielona Gora, our next stop!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6789690
2021-10-28T13:46:00-07:00
2022-04-21T01:36:59-07:00
Day 3
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/6a3f834f932ecb19eb1fa46cc9dd43bbf8c1c948/original/img-0850.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Okay, there were six Hassidim that were on the plane. I loved seeing them in their tallaisim and tefillin as we reached the time for Shema. It was a shock to the passengers, but I think that they were counting on it. I am not sure what was going on because they would not speak to me when I met them at baggage claim. Their silence evoked several questions in my head: "were they on a covert mission (not dressed as they were!); was their silence a tool of piety?; or were they simply scared to reveal their purpose?" Who knows, but it was good to see Yidn heading to Poland. </p>
<p>I slept well last night and seemed to be on Poland time, and the breakfast was terrific. I went to the mall to find a thumb drive—it is amazing after all of the planning that I still forgot some major stuff. At least here, I can generally get what I need as opposed to Africa. </p>
<p>I had a great meeting with Joe Smoczynski, the spiritual leader of Masorti Ki Tov Centrum synagogue in Warsaw. We talked about many things, including the future of Masorti Judaism in Poland, conversion, and education. It was enlightening to say the least. After that, he brought me to the synagogue which I had been to before. But now, it has a permanent ark with three sifrei Torah, and some beautiful artwork displayed. <br>We then walked to the Nozyk Synagogue, the home of Orthodoxy in Poland, and met with Rabbi Shudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland. Our conversation was extraordinary--we shared familiar stories of our youth in NY, shared some Torah, and talked about the state of Jewry and the immigration situation in Poland. Rabbi Shudricha went to JTS in New York and then several years later went to Yeshiva University. I talked about my wonderful teacher, Hazzan Abe Golinkin whose brother, David Golinkin, was Rabbi Shudrich's roommate at JTS! <br>Rabbi Shudrich's concern for the immigration problems at the border of Poland was commendable, and we talked about the possibility of doing a fundraising concert to support the situation while I am in Poland. <br>All in all, a fabulous day which could not have been better! I walked many miles today, and I did okay with the help of a patch on my back. I hope to get stronger and stronger as I do more walking during my stay. <br>Tomorrow Shabbes at the Masorti Synagogue and Havdallah and Malavei Malka at the Reform Synagogue, Eitz Chayim. What a beautiful way to spend the Sabbath! Shabbat Shalom to Kelley and all of my incredible family, and many many blessings to everyone.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/0e15cbc4af2eeaf7fef7dd478e239897ad148dce/original/img-0845.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leather work from the 1930's hanging on the wall </p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6787834
2021-10-26T17:58:11-07:00
2021-12-01T23:46:24-08:00
On the Way to Poland
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/db0845258c799a5f329fcdf4184074e02c8a8ad5/original/img-0835.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am sitting in the air terminal waiting to go to Poland about LOT Airlines. I am looking around and seeing many Hassidic Jews and wondering why they are going to Poland—perhaps on a mission? I look closely at some of them, and I see the Hassidish profile—the beard, the payis, the look of intention. I go immediately in my mind to the beautiful culture that cut down in its prime. I see these religious Jews going to Poland to support perhaps their brothers and sisters or possibly teaching at the few synagogues that remain. And then I hear the Israeli accent over the loudspeaker--"flight so and so to Tel Aviv is available for boarding." I wake up from my stupor to realize that the Hassidism I thought was returning to the birthplace of their movement was flying to the land of hope and life. </p>
<p><br>What was I doing sitting in the lounge, preparing to board the plane to Poland? A place where Yiddish phrases hung in the air like the alluring smell of honeysuckle--but not today. Where Jews walked to shul and Shabbes was strictly upheld--but not today. Where men in their Shabbes best sung Ashes Chayil to their brides. But today, Jews still live in Poland. They are not living in the past. They are not living in the shadows of what was, but in the spotlight of what could be. That's what I am doing here in the Polish Airlines lounge. I LOVE Israel--but I have also come to work in the land where my dad was born, where generations of my family lived their lives. I want to give Jews the opportunity to enjoy and love our tradition as much as I do. After the terror, after communism, Jews realize their Jewish Heritage tours and festivals are not about "those people," but about them. They need our help. We help communities all over the world to make Judaism a way of life. What happened to the source? The very place that gave birth to the most outstanding scholars, rabbis, artists, writers in Jewish history, why aren't we there to light a fire. Create a spark. Why? <br>I board in a little over an hour. I am already tired--my canceled flight this morning, forcing me to take non-direct flights that were consistently late. But I did get to see my son Jacob, and it was a great machaya!!</p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6775354
2021-10-13T21:29:04-07:00
2021-12-01T23:49:48-08:00
Havdalah: Separating Shabbat and the weekday
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/6eb5081377e5be52d620b1a6360518a47579ddec/original/dreamstime-xxl-93823586.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Havdallah means "separation." This ceremony marks the end of Shabbat (the holy) and the beginning of the weekday (the usual).</p>
<p>There are three symbols utilized in this ceremony:</p>
<ol> <li>
<strong>Candle </strong>with at least two wicks. Lighting candles can only be done at the end of Shabbat, since lighting a flame on the Shabbat is forbidden. Two or more wicks create a torch, an abundance of light to study Torah in the next week. And the blessing is in plural and so it indicates more than one wick.</li> <li>
<strong>Spices</strong> (besamim). On Shabbat we are awarded a nefesh yetaira, an additional soul. Inhaling the spices gives us the spiritual power to face the coming week. Spices should be man made and should have a pleasant smell.</li> <li>
<strong>Wine. </strong>We begin and end Shabbat with wine. On Friday night we are celebrating the oneg (joy) of Shabbat, and on Saturday night we use the wine to bring joy in to the new week.</li>
</ol>
<p>The Ceremony:</p>
<ol> <li>We light the candle </li> <li>We hold up the cup of wine and chant the following: <p><em>Hinei El y'shuati, evtach v'lo efchad. <br> Ki ozi v'zimrat Yah Adonai vay'hi li lishuah. <br> Ush'avtem mayim b'sason mimaay'nei hay'shuah. <br> L'Adonai hay'shuah, al am'cha virchatecha, selah. <br> Adonai tz'vaot imanu, misgav lanu, Elohei Yaakov, selah. <br> Adonai tz'vaot, ashrei adam botei-ach bach! <br> Adonai hoshiah; haMelech yaaneinu v'yom kor'einu. </em></p>
<p>(This line is customarily recited by the participants first and then the leader repeats:) <br> <em>LaY'hudim hay'tah orah v'simchah v'sason vikar; kein tih'yeh lanu. </em></p>
<p><em>Kos y'shuot esa, uv'shem Adonai ekra.</em></p> </li> <li> <p>We continue with cup in hand and chant: </p>
<p>בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן. </p>
<p><em>Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, borei p'ri hagafen</em>. </p>
<p>We praise You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, Creator of the fruit of the vine.</p> </li> <li> <p>Blessing over the spices: </p>
<p>(Hold up the spice box, and recite the blessing:) </p>
<p>בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים. </p>
<p><em>Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, borei minei v'samim. </em></p>
<p>We praise You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, Creator of varied spices Now smell the spices!</p> </li> <li> <p>Blessing over the flame: </p>
<p>(Hold the Havdalah candle, reflect the candle's light on your finger nails, and recite the blessing:) </p>
<p>בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ. </p>
<p><em>Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, <br> borei m'orei ha-esh. </em></p>
<p>We praise You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, Creator of the lights of fire. </p> </li> <li> <p>Blessing of Separation:</p> </li> <li> <p>בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמַּבְדִיל בֵּין קֹֽדֶשׁ לְחוֹל, בֵּין אוֹר לְחֹֽשֶׁךְ, בֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לָעַמִּים, בֵּין יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי לְשֵֽׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַמַּעֲשֶׂה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמַּבְדִיל בֵּין קֹֽדֶשׁ לְחוֹל. </p>
<p><em>Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, <br> hamavdil bein kodesh l'chol, bein or l'choshech, <br> bein Yisrael laamim, <br> bein yom hash'vi-i l'sheishet y'mei hamaaseh. <br> Baruch atah Adonai, hamavdil bein kodesh l'chol. </em> </p>
<p>Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all: who distinguishes between the holy and ordinary, between light and dark, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of work. Praise to You, Adonai who distinguishes the holy and ordinary. </p>
<p>(Sip the wine or grape juice. Then extinguish the candle in the remaining wine or grape juice.) </p>
<p>SHAVUA TOV </p>
<p>Shavuah Tov! </p>
<p>A good week, a week of peace, may gladness reign and joy increase. </p>
<p>7. ELIYAHU HANAVI - PRAYER FOR THE PROPHET ELIJAH TO HERALD REDEMPTION </p>
<p>אֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא <br> אֵלִיָּהוּ הַתִּשְׁבִּי <br> .אֵלִיָּהוּ הַגִּלְעָדִי <br> בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵֽינוּ <br> יָבוֹא אֵלֵינוּ <br> .עִם מָשִׁיחַ בֶּן דָּוִד </p>
<p><em>Eliyahu hanavi, <br> Eliyahu hatishbi, <br> Eliyahu hagiladi. </em></p>
<p><em>Bimheirah b'yameinu, <br> yavo eileinu, <br> im Mashiach ben David.</em> </p>
<p>May Elijah the prophet, <br> Elijah the Tishbite, <br> Elijah of Gilead, <br> quickly in our day come to us <br> heralding redemption.</p> </li>
</ol>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org
tag:jewishrevivalinpoland.org,2005:Post/6771848
2021-10-10T13:55:58-07:00
2021-12-01T23:52:03-08:00
Shabbat Candle Lighting
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598042/2d96621ce5a77f10f11ffe8f6a022c858a28a362/original/shabbat-candles.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Candles are lit on Shabbat for many reasons: </p>
<p>To enjoy the oneg, the delight of Shabbat by literally seeing the festive meal and the symbols of the day. Light will also avoid a fall that would dampen the joy. <br>Light is a symbol of Shalom, peace, and Shabbat is a time of peace and rest. <br>To fulfill the two-fold mitzvah of shamor (to keep or guard) and Zachor (to remember) Shabbat. These two words were said simultaneously by the Holy One at the beginning of the fourth commandment. (zachor is in Exodus and shamor is in Deuteronomy) <br>To re-create the light of creation to remind us that Hashem's first creation was light and also that He rested on the seventh day. </p>
<p>Candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset. To find the time in your area, utilize the information from the link below.</p>
<p>The ritual of lighting the candles involves: </p>
<p>1. The actual lighting of the candles </p>
<p>2. Drawing the hands around the candles and toward the face from one to seven times (three is most common) </p>
<p>3. Covering the eyes with the hands </p>
<p>4. Saying the blessing <br>Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel shabbat. </p>
<p>Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments, and commanded us to light Shabbat candles. </p>
<p>TO FIND CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: </p>
<p><a contents="Shabbat Candle Lighting Times " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://hubcap.com">Shabbat Candle Lighting Times </a> </p>
<p>then go to "candle lighting" and find "Poland" </p>
<p>You will see "Shabbat Times Warsaw, Mazovia, Poland" </p>
<p>You can also print a monthly calendar for convenience</p>
Jewishrevivalinpoland.org