A bar mitzvah is a traditional rite of passage for a 13-year-old boy in Judaism - a reminder of the strength of the Jewish spirit and traditions that have stood the test of time, even in the face of the most unimaginable adversity - the attempted murder of the entire Jewish people by the German Nazis.
Tomasz Kuncewicz, director of the foundation that runs the Oshpitzin Jewish Museum, draws attention to the event's significance: - Ethan's bar mitzvah is a beacon of hope in a place marked by a tragic history. It symbolises our commitment to remembering the past while celebrating the life and continuity of Jewish traditions. This event is a compelling testimony of the human spirit's unwavering strength and determination to overcome even the darkest of times - Kuncewicz notes, and expresses his sincere gratitude to all those who celebrated this special day in Ethan Simony's life while honouring the memory of the Auschwitz victims.
It is worth recalling that the first Jews settled in Oświęcim as early as the 16th century and soon named their town Oshpitzin (Yiddish for guests). In 1939, 8,000 Jews (60%) lived in the town, almost all of whom were murdered during the Holocaust.
The Jewish Museum is part of a memorial complex, along with the only surviving historic Chevra Lomdei Mishnayot synagogue in the city, Cafe Bergson, the Jewish cemetery and the Oświęcim Great Synagogue Memorial Park. The complex is run by the Polish-American Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, based in Oświęcim and New York. More information can be found at oshpitzin.pl and on social media.
HISTORIC EVENT
NOT FAR FROM AUSCHWITZ:
BAR MITZVAH AT THE
OŚWIĘCIM SYNAGOGUE
In early September, a momentous event occurred at the Chevra Lomdei Mishnayot synagogue in Oswiecim - the only surviving synagogue in the city - the Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Simony from New York. The traditional ritual was held in a temple in the city centre, just a few kilometres from the Auschwitz Memorial. The only surviving Jewish house of prayer is a poignant witness to the Holocaust and a lesson on the city's multicultural past.
Tomasz Kobylański