END OF SPRING SEMESTER | 6 DAYS
Poland
Much more than a graveyard
What: For centuries, the Jewish people had a vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust. This trip will explore that rich history, understand its eventual destruction and also look at the re-birth of the Jewish community and of Poland itself. The trip will take you on a journey from Warsaw to Lublin, Galicia, and finally Krakow. You will visit ancient synagogues, shtetls, cemeteries, and death camps, gaining a greater understanding of the Jewish community of Poland pre- and post- WWII. You will also get the chance to visit quaint Polish towns and villages, castles, palaces and the incredible salt mines. We will also examine Israel’s relationship with Poland, one of our strong allies in the increasingly hostile United Nations.
Why: As Winston Churchill once wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” How can we as Jews ensure our future as a people if we do not learn from our past? To understand the loss, we must recall what existed before the war and appreciate its magnificence. Through an exploration of both the beauty and the sadness of Poland’s Jewish history, we will be able to do more than simply say, “Never Again.” We will be able to bear witness to the atrocities of this dark hour in our people’s past while also shining a light on the vibrant Jewish community which once flourished in Poland.
More International Trips Available
Ethiopia
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Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its authentic, ancient cultural identity and is considered by many to be the cradle of humanity. Our trip to Ethiopia will combine history, culture, food, and Zionism.
Italy
Spring Semester — 5 Days
From art to food to politics, Italy’s impact on the world has been immense. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia, sunshine, Roman ruins, and Renaissance palaces, and a centuries-old Jewish community, Italy is one place you can never forget!
Poland
End of Spring Semester — 6 Days
For centuries, the Jewish people had a vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust. This trip will explore that rich history, understand its eventual destruction, and also look at the re-birth of the Jewish community and of Poland itself.
Spain
Fall Semester — 5 Days
Today, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. From its wacky architecture to its vibrant sidewalks to great Rabbis and to great tragedies, the region of Catalonia is a great destination for learning about the Spanish Jewish community, which experienced both a Golden Age and a brutal inquisition.
