Our approach to visiting Poland will be to note the diversity of viewpoints that made Polish Jewish life the source of modern Jewish life's diversity: from Jewish socialists to Yiddish culturalists, to the many branches of Zionism, and over 1500 Hassidic communities. In the face of the memorial imperatives of visiting Poland, we wish to emphasize the great achievements of the Jewish people that constituted a driving force for the development of culture, art, and science in Poland. Finally, we find it crucial to underline the resilience of individuals seeking the roots of their Jewish identity in emerging communities in Poland. We seek to celebrate the renewal of Jewish life in Poland and learn of its challenges. We will meet with Catholic Poles who are helping to preserve the memory of Jews and foster Jewish life.
We are very proud of the little known history of the Progressive Jewish community that numbered as many as 300,0000 by 1939 and was connected to modern-day Reform, Conservative, and Renewal Judaisms. In Hungary, we will focus on understanding the dynamics of a Jewish community that had a different encounter with modernity as it was a main part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.
I hope you will share with friends the information about the trip which has inspired so many. We plan several informational meetings that we will be announced for February.
ABOUT OUR TOUR LEADERS
Rabbi Haim Beliak is the Executive Director of Friends of Jewish Renewal in Poland, affiliated with Friends of Jewish Renewal, WUPJ & European Union for Progressive Judaism
Prof. Richard Hecht is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He offers courses in modern Jewish thought, and religion and culture. He is the author and editor of several books. His research interest include religion and politics in the city of Jerusalem and the religious dimensions of contemporary art. He has visited and given several presentations in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Dr. Dominika Zakrzewska is an Assistant Professor at the Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw. She offers courses in the history, culture and social situation of minorities in Poland, intercultural aspects of education and migration. For the last four years, Dominika has served as a program coordinator for the Union of Jewish Progressive Communities in Poland, Beit Polska, where she also leads courses on Jewish heritage in Poland and introduction to Judaism. Within cooperation with Israeli universities, Dominika coordinates projects for Israeli educators focused on Polish-Jewish relations and building intercultural dialogue.
INCLUDED IN POLAND:
2 nights Hotel Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto, Gdansk
3 nights Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel Warsaw, Warsaw
2 nights Hotel Novotel Lodz Centrum, Lodz
1 night Hotel Arche Czestochowa, Czestochowa
1 night Qubus Hotel Kielce, Kielce
3 nights GoldenTulip Kazimierz, Krakow
Leadership of 3 experienced scholars
All touring and sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with expert English-speaking guides
Breakfast daily
4 dinners, including Shabbat dinners in Krakow and Warsaw
Arrival transfer with the main group
Incredible and unique adventures throughout
Entrance fees
Porterage
INCLUDED IN BUDAPEST:
3 nights Mercure Korona Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
All touring and sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with expert English-speaking guides
Flight from Krakow to Budapest
Breakfast daily
Danube River cruise with Hungarian wine tasting
Farewell dinner
Departure transfer with main group
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Porterage
NOT INCLUDED:
Roundtrip airfare, departure taxes and fuel surcharges
Border taxes or visa fees
Tips to guides, drivers and dining room waiters ($20 per person, per day; pre-collected)
Meals not listed above
Items of a personal nature
Travel insurance (recommended - group policy available)