Opening Lecture:
Janusz Makuch: The Jews of Krakow. On the Line between Two Worlds (PL / EN)

25.06.2025 - 13:30 / Festival Tent, ul. Józefa 36 

1980: I remember dark, abandoned Kazimierz, the Jewish Town of Kazimierz,
the holy letter Beit, black, gaping with emptiness, which shone for centuries,
supported by the cornerstones of wisdom and mercy, the holy letter Beit,
a house once open and bright, every Friday evening the darkness was dispelled
by candles, their glow attracted scholars, doctors, antique dealers,
a festive mood reigned among water carriers and shoemakers, impossible to
tell who was poor and who was rich, everyone dressed like a king went to
greet the queen, come my beloved to greet the bride,
let us joyfully welcome the bright face of the Sabbath, the Queen’s robe is white,
the sky is shining with candles, Lecha dodi likrat kala, p’nei Shabbat
n’kabelah!, come Bride, in the air thick with prayers
the cantor’s chant resounds, lead me, my beloved king, to your
chambers at Wąska, the gold of your hair Sulamit brightens the
carpenter’s tiny room, before the flame engulfs it, before ash sprinkles it,
you let it loose among the stars, the shadow of fear crosses Szeroka, the
gates are shut tight, candles no longer burn in the windows, during the day pillows and
blankets, Rabbi Meisels’ street is covered with black feathers,
I remember the Jewish Town and the starry sky above it,
G-d slowly walks arm in arm with the wise rabbi Remuh along ulica Jakuba …

1988: In gratitude for the gift of Kazimierz – thirty-seven years ago our Festival was born.
2025: In gratitude for the Festival time – I start the unfulfilled time filled with hope.

 

Janusz Makuch