On Monday evening, March 2, we gathered with friends and members of our community to commemorate one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, despite the difficult geopolitical situation. Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar. We began the celebration by reading Megillat Esther, or the Book of Esther (a parchment scroll), in the Kupa synagogue, describing the fate of the Jews of Susa, Haman’s intrigue, and the bravery of Esther and Mordechai. During the reading, those gathered in the synagogue tried to drown out Haman’s name by making noise, stomping, whistling, clapping, and using rattles. This custom is intended to “erase Haman’s name.” Another custom associated with this holiday is giving small gifts to friends and neighbors, usually sweets, fruit, or wine (it is important…

Yesterday, February 18, our long-serving Chairman of the Jewish Community in Krakow (1997–2022) —affectionately known among Krakow’s Jews and community staff simply as “Mr. President”—would have celebrated his 87th birthday. Tadeusz Jakubowicz was born in Krakow on February 18, 1939, the son of Maciej and Róża (née Pistol). He served on the board of the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland and the Jewish Community Center Krakow, and was also a member of the Social Committee for the Restoration of Krakow Monuments (SKOZK). In recognition of his contributions to the restoration of Krakow’s historic monuments, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2000 and the Officer’s Cross of the same order in 2023. In 2019, the Society of Lovers of Krakow…