There were more than a thousand shtetls in today’s territories of Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania and Belarus. The Second World War and the Holocaust obliterated the world of shtetls completely. Today, in Opatów—as well as in tens of other Polish towns—there are no more Jews left.
The OPOLIN Museum’s new temporary exhibition titled (post) JEWISH… demonstrates that Polish towns hide two parallel histories. The history of their Polish inhabitants is well known and remembered. The one of their Jewish neighbours who are no more is forgotten or left unsaid.
Guide in the exhibition will be the late Mayer Kirshenblatt, a painter who emigrated to Canada with his mother and brothers as a teenager, in 1934. Mayer recalls the shtetl of his youth, restoring vivid memories of the people, events, daily life and customs. His paintings—full of color, imagination and humor—show us a world that is no more. Looking at them, we learn about our shared Polish-Jewish history.
The exhibition also features a documentation of artistic interventions carried out in today’s Opatów, aimed at discovering and restoring the vestiges of the pre-war Jewish life.
Hundreds of events will take place in more than two dozen countries, from September through November, and in some cases beyond….exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, performances, book events, food tastings, lectures, and more….
The overall theme this year is Family.
Most events can be accessed via the drop down menus on the general web site.
But some countries — like Italy (where the EDJC kicks off Sept. 15), the UK, Austria, France, and Switzerland — have their own web sites with much more information and links to programs and events. You can access these national web sites from the general EDJC web page link.
A pan-European festival of tourism and education centered on Jewish built heritage, the EDJC has become Europe’s most successful cross-border Jewish cultural initiative.
Six month “Heritage Season” of Events (Ceremonial, Concerts, Lectures, Meal, Performances, Talks, Tours, and Walks) to mark the 150th Anniversary of Princes Road Synagogue.
Themes:
September 2024 – People & Place;
October 2024 – Charity & Philanthropy and Rituals;
November 2024 – Civil life; December 2024 – Education & Learning;
January 2025 – Trade & Occupations; February 2025 – Art & Culture
The program is evolving.
Click here to see the program as events are confirmed.
NOTE: Tickets for all events must be reserved in advance.
To apply for tickets, please complete the application for tickets form here.
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