Today in Warsaw the main exhibition in the Museum of the History of Polish Jews is being opened. The museum itself has been organizing different events and temporary exhibitions for some time but only today it is opening its main exhibition.
Jews started arriving to Poland in XI century so it is really 1,000 years of common history. Main bulk of Jewish people arrived after the Black Death period in Europe as they were accused for causing the plague and often murdered and tortured for it.
Although the plague didn't pass Poland her king at the time (having himself Jewish mistress for years and being opened for people from different backgrounds) let them come and settle in Poland including in the vicinity of the capital (at that time) - Krakow.
Time were good (or excellent) and bad (sometimes, e.g. during Ukrainian revolt of XVII century - awful) for both nations but it was all manageable. Jewish people had their Parliament of Four Regions which meant quite a lot of self governing. Before II WW in Poland lived 3.5 million Jews (that's why it was in occupied Poland that Nazis built their death camps) and every third person living in Warsaw before the war was Jewish.
It was all destroyed during the war and the trauma of it and many things that took place at the time lasted till very recently.
But when I look at the newly opened museum - one dedicated to life not to death, to the history of living, working, worshiping, learning and not to dying I am very happy.
Last but not least I am specially happy that during opening celebration Presidents of both Poland and Israel were present (it was the very first foreign visit of Mr Rivlin - the newly elected President of Israel)!
And here is one of the places on main exhibition - fully reconstructed XVII century synagogue :)
This is a blog about Israel, her history, culture, touristic as seen by outsider but fully in love with this amazing, beautiful country. It is also partly about the dialogue between Judaism and Christianity and - as this can't be avoided - a little bit about politics, but no more than is necessary
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“When Israel, the only country in the world whose very existence is under attack, is consistently and conspicuously singled out for condemnation, I believe we are morally obligated to take a stand.” by Canada's PM Harper
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Another terror attack
In Jerusalem, yesterday, a terrorist with connections to Hamas has smashed with his car into the group of passengers awaiting Jerusalem light railway. Eight people were injured and a 3-month-old baby girl, thrown from her buggy, was killed. She was thrown with such a force that after flying through 20-30 meters (70-90 feet) in the air she fell headfirst into the pavement. Despite prompt medical action she succumbed to her injuries few hours later.
It was the first time for her in Jerusalem. She was American citizen.
It was her last time in Jerusalem.
Her parents tried for years to have a baby. One act of murderous antisemitism has taken them and her everything.
Pray for her please
It was the first time for her in Jerusalem. She was American citizen.
It was her last time in Jerusalem.
Her parents tried for years to have a baby. One act of murderous antisemitism has taken them and her everything.
Pray for her please
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Simcha Torah plus the good article
Today at sundown there will start the holiday of Simcha Torah culminating the week of Sukkot.
Simcha Torah means "the joy of Torah" and this day people are celebrating, dancing, and even small children are allowed to touch the Torah scrolls. It is a very joyful occasion!
I enclose some pictures below:
Also I would like to share with you the very interesting article by rabbi Jonathan Sacks who is the retired rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth.
here is the link
I watch with growing not even uneasiness but slowly horror how antisemitism is returning to Europe. And it is a frightening perspective for all of us as it is absolutely not only about Jews - just as it is stated in the article. If you would like to share your thoughts on this article remember you are very much welcome to do so.
Hag Sameach!
Simcha Torah means "the joy of Torah" and this day people are celebrating, dancing, and even small children are allowed to touch the Torah scrolls. It is a very joyful occasion!
I enclose some pictures below:
Also I would like to share with you the very interesting article by rabbi Jonathan Sacks who is the retired rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth.
here is the link
I watch with growing not even uneasiness but slowly horror how antisemitism is returning to Europe. And it is a frightening perspective for all of us as it is absolutely not only about Jews - just as it is stated in the article. If you would like to share your thoughts on this article remember you are very much welcome to do so.
Hag Sameach!
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