By David Zev Harris, Mark Gordon – July 14, 2024
What’s happening
In the heart of Krakow, a city once scarred by the horrors of World War II, a vibrant celebration brings together people from around the globe. The Jewish Culture Festival, now in its 33rd iteration, is a haven where Jewish culture shines brightly. This festival bridges communities, bringing swarthy Middle Eastern Jews, youthful Ashkenazi Americans, and blonde-haired, blue-eyed Poles together to cherish and revel in Jewish heritage.
Why it matters
This festival stands as a powerful reminder of Jewish resilience and cultural richness. It embodies a living testament to history, celebrating Jewish traditions while fostering unity and understanding across different cultures amid the echoes of past atrocities.
The highlights
- A captivating Kabbalat Shabbat concert by Israeli artists Maya Belsitzman (cello and vocals) and Matan Ephrat (percussion), attracting rapt attention and applause from a diverse audience.
- An array of cultural events spanning concerts, guided walks, and lectures within Krakow’s historic Kazimierz district.
- Maqamat’s mesmerizing performance featuring Middle Eastern rhythms, held in the Industry Museum, uniting Jewish-American twentysomethings with Polish grandmothers in joyous dance and admiration.
- A showcase of historical photographs and new exhibits like Renia Spiegel’s Diary at the Galicia Jewish Museum, reinforcing the educational and memorial aspects of Jewish history in the region.
A gathering of camaraderie and learning
Among those present are festival regulars who cherish the communal vibe and cultural Jewishness it affords. Performers like Deborah Strauss and Cantor Jeff Warschauer guide attendees through the nuances of klezmer music, fostering an inclusive environment where both Jews and non-Jews alike can immerse themselves in Jewish culture.
Voices of inclusion
The organizers, led by Janusz Makuch and his dedicated team of volunteers known as the machers, embrace diversity in promoting understanding. Volunteers from Lebanon and Azerbaijan, including individuals from different religious backgrounds, contribute to the festival’s unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Unity through celebration
In a profound act of celebration and remembrance, the festival attendees—whether they be Jewish or non-Jewish—participate in traditions like a soulful conga line, dancing together on grounds that bear the weight of history. Such events underscore the enduring spirit of the Jewish people and the shared hope for the future of Jewish traditions.
The takeaway
The Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow isn’t just about entertainment. It’s an elaborate mosaic of culture, education, and community, seamlessly merging the poignancy of Jewish life’s history with the joyous celebration of its ongoing legacy. It’s an essential contribution to both Jewish and global cultural heritage.
This story was first published on jpost.com.