As a couple we have stood side-by-side for 38 years under the chupah (wedding canopy), next to the cribs where our infant sons slept, at the graves of three beloved parents, with pride at the b’nai mitzvah ceremonies and weddings of our children and awestruck at the miracle of the births of our grandchildren.
We have stood side-by-side during our travels marveling at the wonders of nature, the beauty of ancient and modern architecture, the history of peoples and their cultures.
In between touring, shopping, and many museum visits, we would always seek out “the Jewish places” which in some cases were hopeful and uplifting and in so many other instances were scarce and painful. And then there was Krakow, Poland, where we went to participate in the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Shofar Krakow Mission. We stood side-by-side in gratitude and joy for:
• The opportunity to see first hand the renewal of Jewish life at Krakow’s Jewish community center, with its talented director, its rabbi (who commutes from Israel), its Jewish and non-Jewish volunteers. In this colorful, energy-filled structure, learning happens; prayer is valued; people sing and dance and learn Hebrew; Holocaust survivors stand with young Poles who recently discovered their Jewish heritage. There, holiday celebrations, Shabbat services and self-discovery happen regularly for the young and the elderly.
• For Slichot services, many communal meals, singing and learning, Shabbat services and lighting Shabbat candles at the Galicia Museum.
• For the dedication in Krakow’s old Jewish quarter of Richard Edelman’s powerful sculpture “Shofar Krakow: Call to Return.” We also stood side-by-side with heavy and broken hearts and tears for:
• The death camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau.
• The killing fields in Polish villages with unmarked graves and the testimony of elderly Poles who witnessed what happened there.
• The “traces” of mezuzot that no longer adorn homes.
• The dialogue with Poles who had never met a Jew.
• The cemetery with the tombstone of Rabbi Moses Isserles (1520-1572).
Prior to leaving for this trip we felt it would be life changing, and it was. Our decision to participate was motivated in part to ensure that our children and grandchildren realize that going to Krakow was a choice (there are lots of places in the world to visit).
We wanted them to look back at “where did Bubbie and Zayde travel?” and know that this destination was unique. That this trip had significance.
When they look at our pictures now and in years to come, we want them to note that we are Jews who care about our people, and that this trip had to be taken.
We had to come home to Milwaukee and share our pain at the destruction of a vibrant people and our joy at the possibility of renewal.
We thank the MJF staff and its leaders who had the vision to create this mission. May we always care deeply about one another, generously support one another, and hold one another close in both good times and times that are challenging.
Bonnie Malofsky Jacobson and Jack Jacobson were participants in the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Shofar Krakow Mission, Aug. 31-Sept. 7.
Loading ...