National Jewish Book Award Finalist: "A fresh and delightful portrait of Jewish renewal in Poland... Highly recommended." - Choice
Since the end of Communism, Jews from around the world have visited Poland to tour Holocaust-related sites. A few venture further, seeking to learn about their own Polish roots and connect with contemporary Poles. For their part, a growing number of Poles are fascinated by all things Jewish.
In this book, Erica T. Lehrer explores the intersection of Polish and Jewish memory projects in the historically Jewish neighborhood of Kazimierz in Krakow. Her own journey becomes part of the story as she demonstrates that Jews and Poles use spaces, institutions, interpersonal exchanges, and cultural representations to make sense of their historical inheritances.
Vorwort
Encountering Jews and Jewishness in contemporary Poland
Autorentext
Erica T. Lehrer is Associate Professor of History and Anthropology and Canada Research Chair in Post-Conflict Memory, Ethnography, and Museology at Concordia University, where she founded and directs the Centre for Ethnographic Research and Exhibition in the Aftermath of Violence.
Zusammenfassung
Since the end of Communism, Jews from around the world have visited Poland to tour Holocaust-related sites. A few venture further, seeking to learn about their own Polish roots and connect with contemporary Poles. For their part, a growing number of Poles are fascinated by all things Jewish. Erica T. Lehrer explores the intersection of Polish and Jewish memory projects in the historically Jewish neighborhood of Kazimierz in Krakow. Her own journey becomes part of the story as she demonstrates that Jews and Poles use spaces, institutions, interpersonal exchanges, and cultural representations to make sense of their historical inheritances.
Inhalt
Prologue: Scene of Arrival
Introduction: Poles and Jews: Significant Others
1. Making Sense of Place: History, Mythology, Authenticity
2. The Mission: Mass Jewish Holocaust Pilgrimage
3. The Quest: Scratching the Heart
4. Shabbos Goyim: Polish Stewards of Jewish Spaces
5. Traveling Tschotschkes and "Post-Jewish" Culture
6. Jewish like an Adjective: Expanding the Collective Self
Conclusion: Towards a Polish-Jewish milieu de mémoire