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On Sunday, 3 November 2024, Poland's new Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia opened a photographic exhibition at Beth Shalom Aleichem in Tel Aviv entitled "Guardians of Angels" which depicted the preservation and protection of Jewish cultural heritage sites in Poland.
Jews first arrived in Poland in the 10th century and in the 13th century the Statute of Kalisz was issued which established the legal status of Jews. In 1500 Jews existed in 100 localities. In 1765 the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth had a population of 750 000 Jews. In 1933 Poland's Jewish population was 3.3 million. 1992 marked the rebirth of Jewish life in Poland by the appointment of a Chief Rabbi and the establishment of the Union of Jewish Religious Communities (ZGWZ) consisting of 1594 members in 2022. Every year the Jewish Culture Festival is held in Krakow and a Jewish Film Festival in Warsaw. In Wroclaw a festival called "Simcha Festival" is celebrated annually. There are Jewish kindergartens, schools and high schools in Warsaw and Lodz. Jewish studies are offered at the Universities of Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and Lublin. In Warsaw a Jewish Theatre, The Ester Rachel Kaminska Theatre exists performing plays in Yiddish.
The ceremony started with a heart wrenching song in Yiddish by Olga Avigail, "Ofyn Weg Shteyf e Boym" who also played the accordian while singing.
H.E. Mr. Marciej Hunia, ambassador of Poland to Israel briefly spoke, saying that Jewsih culture in Poland is closely connected to Polish Culture and that the Jewish contribution to Poland's public life, science, culture, art and the economy was enormous. During World War 11 the Germans attempted to annihilate not only Jews and Jewish culture but all structures reminiscent of Jewish identity namely over 400 synagogues and almost all Jewish institutions.He concluded his talk by stating that during the difficulty Israel is experiencing "be sure that Poland understands Israel's situation and emphatically supports it".
Since World War 11 over 1200 Jewish cemeteries in Poland have grossly been neglected and in 2002 the "The Foundation of Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland" - (FODZ) was established by the Poland's government.
"Young Guardians of Jewish Cemeteries", a voluntary organization of high school students as well as initiatives of families and local communities undertake the responsibility by dedicating themselves to the meticulous care of Jewish cemeteries in which there are over 10 000 volunteers in various associations related to the cause. Different Organizations are actively engaged in restoring the memory of local Jewish communities in Poland by collecting and publishing the names of individuals who were murdered in the Holocaust.
opening hours of the exhibition:
Sunday:11-18
Monday: 9:30-17:30
Tuesday: 9:30-18:00
Wednesday: 9:30-18:30
Detailed hours in Hebrew you might find here: https://bethshalomaleichem.co.il/%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a1%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a1%d7%9f/
The exhitibition will be there till 20.11
Ten Years ago, Rabbi Shapira who founded the Jewish Cemeteries Association whose aim is the preservation of Jewish cemeteries in Central and Eastern Europe was not present, his speech was read by the Embassy's "Master of Ceremony".
A short video was shown featuring young Polish volunteers involved in restoration projects of cemeteries and a few said that it was "their moral responsibility to do so". Another volunteer mentioned the fact that despite the constant work involved in the cemeteries he never gives up as opposed to the demands and challenges he faces.
Present at the event despite having to face two previous flights from Warsaw to Tel Aviv which were cancelled, was Mr. Pawel Kulig who represented the association "Guardians of Remembrance". His speech was translated into Hebrew and he mentioned that "the work is for you and not for us". He nostalgically quoted a song by Airk Einstein entitled, "Ani v' Ata" implying that "together we can change the world".
The event was concluded by Olga Avigayil's "Sholem Lid" or "Peace Song" which started in Yiddish and ended in Hebrew. Reference was made on behalf of the Polish Embassy acknowledging the Polish Cultural Association in Israel efforts.
Notable guests present were H.E. Mr. Gershon Zohar, Israel's ambassador to Poland from 1993 - 1997, Dr. Laurence Weinbaum who is Director General of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chief Editor of Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Andre Gasiorwski, President and CEO of Global Forum which is an umbrella organization of 250 associations and lastly Brother Seweryn Lubecki, originally from Pszczyna, Poland who has been living in Israel for 36 years, he is a Fransiscian friar at a monastery in Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist.
A special mention of thanks to Mrs. Magdalena Kukula and Mr. Lukas Levy of the Embassy of Poland in Tel Aviv who graciously provided Diplomacy,co.il with invaluable information regarding Jewish life in Poland and about the exhibition.
בית שלום עליכם | Beth Shalom Aleichem
Address : 2 Berkowitz Street, Tel Aviv, Israel
Beit Shalom Aleichem is located in the cultural center of Tel Aviv - near Beit Ariela, the opera house and the theater
The Chamber - which itself serves as a center for Yiddish culture in Tel Aviv and Israel. There is an intensive activity at home that includes:
Annual courses for teaching Yiddish - beginner, advanced and affordable classes - who participate in them
Over 300 students every year; Courses on Eastern European Jewry:
history, culture, literature; Music and theater performances.
The Chamber - which itself serves as a center for Yiddish culture in Tel Aviv and Israel. There is an intensive activity at home that includes:
Annual courses for teaching Yiddish - beginner, advanced and affordable classes - who participate in them
Over 300 students every year; Courses on Eastern European Jewry:
history, culture, literature; Music and theater performances.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Reena and Vinod Pushkarna and their son, Kunal are doyon's of Indian food in Israel, having started their restaurant chain, Tandoori, 40 years ago. They were the first to introduce Indian food in Israel. Since the early 80's , a generation of Israelis "grew up on her" Chicken Tikka and for that reason she decided to emphasize "kids menus". In 2023 the government of the Republic of India awarded her an order of merit for services rendered. Today their chain has two restaurants, one located in Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv with a mesmerizing seaview of the Mediterranean and the other located in Herzliya's industrial zone Mercazim building, an ideal venue for business lunches.
On Thursday, 31 October three of us experienced an unforgettable gastronomy enjoying lunch in their plush restaurant in Tel Aviv served by three professional waiters with extraordinary service skills, rarely encountered in Israel.
The service staff were exceptional in their gracious manner displaying patience, professionalism and an innate knowledge of the menu recommending dishes.
Tandoori the name of the restaurant, is a traditional Indian clay oven reaching a temperature of 600c and a hallmark of Punjabi cuisine where chicken, meat and fish are baked.
Our meal started with an assortment of four entrees which included Chicken Tamarind wings, Fish Taco Papad (small fish fillets of locus), Fish Pakado (fillets cooked and fried with chickpea flour batter) and Bhel Puri (fluffy rice flakes). It was accompanied by a selection of relishes presented in small bowls consisting of cilantro, mango ajar, coconut flakes, tamarind and fruit chutney.
The second course consisted of a selection of dumplings or dim dim, namely chicken, beef, vegetable and tofu.
This was followed by a selection of vegetables (broccoli and potato), Panner (Indian cottage cheese), grilled locus, fish pakora and lamb samosas.
Main courses were Seekh Kebab (grilled lamb in the clay oven), Tandoori Chicken (grilled in the clay oven) and Chicken Tikka (grilled cubes of chicken).
Exotic desserts offered on the menu are gulab jamun (homemade cheese dumplings, cardamon and aromatic syrup), Elaichi kheer (rice pudding cooked with milk, rosewater cardamom, saffron and pistachio), the all time Indian classic vegan sweet carrot halwa (grated carrots cooked with cardamom and aromatic spices served with a non dairy vanilla ice cream). Another exotic dessert featured is Zafrani kulfi which is made from pistachio ice cream, spices, falooda noodles and saffron.
From the large choice of deserts we decided to have the Gulab jamun (described in the the above paragraph) and the Western classic, Pavlova Mango (cream, meringue, almond, and ginger served with raspberry and mango coulis), this was conceptualized in Australia and New Zealand in the early 20th century named after the famed Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova when she toured these countries.
Drinks included Mango Lassi (a cool summer drink of liquidized mangoes, yogurt, milk, cream and ground cardamom) and Nimbu Pani (fresh lemon juice and water).
Unobtrusive Indian music was played amidst a cosmopolitan atmosphere patronized by guests from abroad staying in the surrounding luxury hotels as well as people working in Tel Aviv. The restaurant seats 160 guests and includes a circular bar providing additional seating where there is a drinks menu available of Indian cocktails with " Lunch Bowl Deals" that can be ordered, however only during the day.
.The sea view is unparalleled and contributes to the restaurant's elegant interior and aesthetics. Tandoori offers takeaways and is an excellent venue for family celebrations, business functions, romantic encounters and personal outings.
In Israel, Indian cuisine has become popular and in many localities almost a household necessity thus Tandoori offers "special lunch box" specials as well as "Thali specials" on Wolt and 10bis. For lunch Tandoori offers a set menu priced at 78 shekels, ideal for working people as it is light and filling. Starters include bowls served with a dish of choice consisting of either rice or quinoa followed by a main course of a choice of Beef Korma or Chicken Tikka Masala prepared in a clay oven.The set menu also includes "soup of the day", naan bread and dessert. For an additional price of 10 shekels a soft drink, draft beer or a glass of wine is available.
We are most thankful to Reena Pushkarna and her dedicated staff for a memorable gastronomic experience and promise to return, hopefully in the not too distant future.
TANDOORI - A REAL TASTE OF INDIA
Tandoori Events
Tandoori Delivery
Tandoori Events
Tandoori Delivery
TANDOORI Lands End adress : 76 Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Tel Aviv : Tel 03-6296185
Tandoori Herzliya: 32 Maskit St., Herzliya Tel 09-9546702
www.tandoori.co.il
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Group Exhibition at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai Carpentry Workshop presents : "The Sun Did Not Stand Still"
Creating Hope And Renewal Through Art October 8 - October 26, 2024
Artists: Nir Adoni, Daniel Oxenberg, Shai Azulai, Brit Einstein, Eyal Assoulin, Roi Binsky, Zadok Ben David, Orna Ben Ami, Sophie Barzon Makai, Tamar Branitzki, Uri Gersht, Liya Dayagi, Daphna Dishi, Reut Dafna, Einav Halpern Sanker, Doron Wolf, Ofra Wolf, Ariela Wertheimer, Natalia Zourabova, Gabi Salzman, Moshe Tarka, Nurit Livne, Yona Levi Grossman, Zohar Morag, Ido Markus, Ruth Nevo, Shira Sagol, Yana Stup, Dana Sitton, Sarita Peled, Michel Platnick, Lala Kalush, Tamar Karavan, Gidi Rubin, Lior Reisel, Khen Shish, Ronen Shahrabani, Eran Shakin
Curators: Lilach Shmoul and Shlomit Oren DUART
On October 8, 2024, a year and a day after the October 7th disaster, a unique exhibition was opened at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. For the first time, artists from the Gaza Envelope host artists from central Israel in a joint display of solidarity, representing the Israeli spirit through art. The works in the exhibition serve as a testament to hope, faith, and the ability to grow through creativity. Many of the participating artists were personally affected by the war, and their works reflect both the difficulty and pain of their experiences, as well as hope for a better future. The exhibition will be held in the Yad Mordechai carpentry workshop, a 70-year-old facility that has long served the kibbutz and its members.
On October 8, a group exhibition was open at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai marking revival and continuity. The exhibition will present inter-regional cooperation that expresses the fascinating diversity of the emerging art field in Israel. The works displayed in it represent hope and the belief in the ability to continue growing in difficult times, even when time seems to stop and the pain and fracture seem unbearable.
The exhibition offers visitors a look at the creative forces at work in our regions. The works touch on the effects of time, memory and renewal. The artists participating in the exhibition, many of whom were personally injured in the war, express and reveal the pain and difficulty that accompany them in coping with the challenges of the past and present. Their works represent the preservation of historical memory and at the same time the movement and continuity, which are both the source of relief and those that enable the processing of trauma and growth from it.
The exhibition's title, 'The Sun Did Not Stand Still,' is taken from Margaret Larkin's award-winning book. It tells the story of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, named after Mordechai Anielewicz, leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and recounts the sacrifice of kibbutz members who lost their lives in one of the fiercest battles during Israel's War of Independence. The book is etched in collective memory as part of the kibbutz ethos, with the sun symbolizing constant movement and continuity.
The exhibition is an initiative of Limor Livne, a Kibbutz Yad Mordechai resident. The opening night taked place on October 8, 2024, with the participation of the artists and public figures, including Benny Gantz, Chairman of the State Camp alliance, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff, and current Yad Mordechai resident, who assisted in establishing the exhibition, MK Alon Schuster State Camp 🇮🇱 Former Deputy Minister of Defense, Minister of Agriculture, Rev. Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, Hezi Bezalel ( businessman and honorary consul of Rwanda), Chemi Peres, Chairman of Peres Center for peace and Innovation , Gidi Mark CEO of Taglit Birthright Israel and many more.
The exhibition will be displayed in the carpentry shop of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and will be open free of charge to the general public during the holiday period, 26.10.24-8.10.24. Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00, Fridays 10:00-14:00
As part of the exhibition, there will be tours, cultural events and artists' dialogue meetings
Full information at the link here https://sunneverstands.co.il/
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Celebrate Sukkot and Family with NLI Treasures in New Downloadable Exhibition
The National Library of Israel invites you to decorate your Sukkah with a gorgeous new exhibition celebrating "Family" — the complexities and sub-themes the theme encompasses, and all illustrated with items from Library collections.
The downloadable PDF can be printed as rollups or desktop posters, contains links to a companion website with additional content, and is available for free use.
The exhibition was produced by the Library’s Gesher Le Europa program, in partnership with the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ). For seven years running, AEPJ has marked European Days of Jewish Culture with content featuring items from NLI collections – all seven series are available on the Library website.
Rare Jewish Treasures Featured in Holiday Video Series
Join National Library of Israel for a journey through the Hebrew calendar. The video series "A Look at the Jewish Year" provides insights into the Jewish calendar and holidays through the lens of the Library's renowned collection of Jewish manuscripts, books, printed materials and more.
Exceedingly rare items showcased in the videos include a nearly thousand-year-old Jewish calendar found in the famed Cairo Geniza; the 13th century Worms Mahzor, which includes the first written example of Yiddish and survived the Holocaust; and an 18th century manuscript known as Sefer Evronot featuring an array of stunning illustrations. More modern items, such as an early 20th century poster of a traditional Sukkot holiday meal, and Simchat Torah flags are also presented. The project also includes source sheets with questions and links to additional materials.
The series was produced by the National Library of Israel in collaboration with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.
Sukkot Treasures Online For All to Enjoy
NLI website contains a rich selection of information, images, songs, lesson plans, and resource packs that are perfect for keeping children of all ages busy during the Sukkot holiday. Check out the Sukkot at the National Library of Israel page and Sukkot educational resources in English that use NLI primary sources to teach about how the holiday has been celebrated throughout history.
A Virtual Visit to “A Treasury of Words”
The Library's permanent exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey through the cultural artifacts that are the heritage treasures of the Jewish People and the State of Israel. There is nothing like seeing these in-person but a new online exhibit provides a sampling of the experience. The virtual version of A Treasury of Words highlights the power of text, its ability to change the world, formulate ideas, push them forward, define a place, community, and nation, and express the spirit and talent of its thinkers, writers, and poets.
The stories behind these items and more can also be found in the magnificent coffee-table book, 101 Treasures From the National Library of Israel, now also available in a Hebrew edition. Both are on sale at the Library book shop and online store.
About the National Library of Israel
Founded in Jerusalem in 1892, the National Library of Israel (NLI) serves as the dynamic institution of communal memory for the Jewish people worldwide, and Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths. NLI holds the world's largest collections of textual Judaica, Jewish and Israeli music, maps of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, as well as world-class collections of Jewish and Islamic manuscripts, rare books, photographs, community and personal archives, and more. Along with being Israel's preeminent research library, NLI is also dedicated to encouraging audiences in Israel, and around the globe, to engage with its treasures through a range of innovative educational, cultural, and digital initiatives, as well as through its new landmark building, all of which reflect NLI's central values of democratizing knowledge by opening its collections, and resources to as broad and diverse an audience as possible.
For more information: www.nli.org.il/en
www.facebook.com/NationalLibraryofIsrael
www.youtube.com/user/NLI2010/featured
www.tiktok.com/@library_of_israel
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In an initiative by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), 300 supporters and donors from 33 countries have arrived in Israel for a solidarity mission. This distinguished delegation, which includes KKL presidents, CEOs, and board members, are in Israel to reinforce support for its residents and authorities facing the ongoing war. Over the past year, these international supporters have demonstrated unwavering commitment to Israel, contributing extensively to aid for displaced residents, local authorities, and the restoration of forests damaged by enemy actions.
The opening event took place last night (Sunday) at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, featuring President Isaac Herzog, KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, and other prominent Israeli figures.
President Herzog opened the event with a poignant address, stating: "Since October 7th, we have seen the unique nature of our people shine strongly through the cracks of crisis. We have seen our people drop everything at first call to protect and defend their brothers and sisters, their communities, and their country. We have seen the most beautiful face of our civil society, responding to emergency with generosity and selflessness. And we have seen Jews and supporters from around the world proclaim with a crystal-clear voice: 'Hineini! We are here!'. We are here to offer comfort and immediate aid to Israel’s suffering communities. Here to carry Israel in our hearts. And here to help rebuild. This, friends, is the legacy of KKL- JNF. A historic organization that has built upon the goodwill of Jews around the world to make Israel blossom and grow from the very beginning. Today again, we will make that forest - and every other site of destruction - sites of rebuilding, regeneration, and rebirth."
The event was dedicated to honoring the victims, survivors, and heroes of the October 7th attacks. Participants heard moving accounts of bravery and resilience, focusing on the transition from memory to hope and revival. Among the featured stories were those of Eden Nimri and Oshri Moshe Butzhak. Captain Eden Nimri, who fell during the first day of the war engaged in a fierce gunfight with terrorists at the Nahal Oz outpost, saving the lives of several soldiers with her team. Captain Oshri Moshe Butzhak, who was killed in December 2023 in Gaza during a confrontation with terrorists, exhibited exceptional courage as he led his troops through a complex battle.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski addressed the attendees, stating: "The history of the Jewish people is not merely a sequence of expulsions and pogroms; it is a narrative of resilience and growth emerging from these challenges. It embodies the spirit of rising from the ashes, recognizing the present, and holding hope for the future. This evening represents a significant connection between Jewish communities worldwide and the current developments in Israel."
Throughout the war, KKL-JNF has undertaken extensive efforts to provide sustainable support to residents in the Western Negev and northern Israel, as well as to local authorities affected by the violence. The organization has invested hundreds of millions of shekels in rebuilding devastated communities and constructing temporary housing for displaced residents. KKL-JNF has also allocated substantial funds for firefighting efforts, immediate and long-term support for security forces and residents, and the rehabilitation of KKL-JNF forests damaged by terrorist activities during the war.
During the event, a special film was presented, highlighting the global rise of antisemitism and its severe impact on Jewish communities worldwide.
Through its various offices, KKL-JNF is committed to combating antisemitism with innovative educational initiatives while promoting tolerance and solidarity. As Ifat Ovadia-Luski emphasized during the event: "Especially against the backdrop of ongoing security tensions, the arrival of KKL representatives from around the world to witness our efforts to cultivate and develop the land is both impressive and inspiring. We at KKL-JNF will continue to serve as a bridge connecting the Jewish diaspora to Israel, addressing the challenges of rebuilding while providing mutual support to communities facing antisemitic incidents over the past year."
The evening also featured a moving film symbolizing "Revival," with performances by siblings Michal and Roee Greenlick, whose brother IDF officer Shauli, a singer, was tragically killed while fighting in Gaza.
In the coming week, the mission will visit various sites, primarily in Israeli communities near the Gaza Envelope, to review key projects that have received significant funding over the past year. The delegation will also engage with local leaders to understand the post-conflict needs and challenges, aiming to support reconstruction and restore normalcy to southern communities.
Photo credit Silvia Golan
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