BS”D 5 Tamuz 5781 We have reached today paragraph 7 of chapter 2 of Mesillas Yesharim, in which R. Luzzatto concludes the second chapter. R Luzzatto reminds the reader that even if one takes the proper time for reflection and guards his actions, this alone will not be sufficient for salvation. One, without the assistance of the Holy One, blessed is He, will not be able to achieve salvation. “If one oversees himself” – states further Rabbi Luzzatto – he will be saved from the evil inclination. However, it is essential to observe one’s behaviour. If one does not do that, then the Holy One, blessed is He, will not watch over him. If one is not compassionate towards himself then who will show him compassion? In…
Last Friday, 11 June 2021, Counsellor Tal Ben-Ari Yaalon, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of the Embassy of Israel in Poland visited Mr Tadeusz Jakubowicz, Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Religious Community in Kraków, in his office. Counsellor Ben-Air Yaalon was warmly received and had an interesting discussion with our Chairman of the Board, touching on future projects for the Jews in Kraków. The Chairman of the Board expressed his wishes for the political stabilisation of Israel and for peace in the region as well as the personal and professional success of Counsellor Ben-Ari Yaalon. The meeting was fruitful and we look forward to more similar opportunities for sharing our views with the Israeli Embassy. opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not…
BS”D 4 Tamuz 5781 We begin now with paragraph five of chapter two of Mesillas Yesharim by R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, of blessed memory. In this paragraph, the author compares the advice of the evil inclination (to make oneself busy and consequently avoid thinking about one’s actions) to the order of the wicked Pharaoh that work should be made hard so that men would spend their day working and be unable to avoid reflection on their deeds. This is a common trait of totalitarian governments and cults: the victims are made to overwork, stay hungry and kept too tired so that they will have no time to think. Additionally, this makes them more vulnerable to brain-washing. In fact, there are even modern corporations that try to eliminate…
We are now publishing a chapter by chapter summary of Majer Bałaban’s Historia Żydow w Krakowie i na Kazimierzu 1304-1868 (Kraków, “Nadzieja”, 1931) – History of the Jews in Kraków and in Kazimierz – which will be able to be found under the category “Bałaban” and “History”. We express our hopes that it might be useful. This is chapter two, tome one, pages sixteen to twenty-eight, titled “Kazimierz the Great and his Time” The greatest financial force in Krakow was Lewko the son of Jordan and Kaszyca. He died around 1395. He was described in documents as a trustful man. Documents show he used to buy and sell land, as well as to lend money on interest. He lent money outside of Krakow, reaching Tarnow and he…
BS”D 3 Tamuz 5781 R. Luzzatto then (Mesillas Yesharim par. 3, chap. 2) touches on self-awareness, reminding the reader that Yirmeyahu was aware of the evils of his generation, saying that many were paying no heed to their actions and instead just kept doing whatever they were doing. Impulsiveness, as R. Luzzatto states, leads into wrongdoing. The text can be easily applied to the present day. I find that resisting against impulsiveness in the current world is much harder than – say – twenty years ago. The temptation to write and send text, to buy without thinking, is much greater than before the advent of instant communication. Messages are written and sent immediately without thought. They do not take hours to write – compared to a letter…
Plaques dedicated to the victims of the forced labour camps of Julag II and Baudienst were unveiled on the last 11 June at midday, on ul. Podmiłów and on the corner of Bieżanowska and Młodzieży in Kraków-Prokocim. Present at the ceremony were: Counsellor Tal Ben-Ari Yaalon, Chargé d’affaires, a.i., of the Embassy of Israel in Poland; the Chairman of the Council of the City of Kraków, Dominik Jaśkowiec; the substitute of the President of the City of Kraków, Bogusław Kośmider, the Chairman of the Council of the 12th district of Kraków, Zbigniew Kożuch; the Director of the Institute of National Remembrance (INR) in Kraków, Cecylia Radoń; the Director of the Galicia Jewish Museum, Jakub Nowakowski as well as counsellors of the City and of the 12th district,…
BS”D 3 Tamuz 5781 Shavua tov! Friday as usual we had our shabbat dinner. During prayers the synagogue was visited by many pious people and was filled with the joyous sound of prayers. Jews are welcome in the synagogue, whatever their minhag and we do not impose a single one on everyone. The Jewish Religious Community of Kraków, the beating heart of the Community and its true centre, has been helping Jews through the darkest times in the past decades. The dedication of those who work in silence in the Community, away from quick fame and gratification, is commendable. Their rewards in the world to come are immeasurable. After prayers we had our meal, in which, as every Saturday, English speakers, Polish speakers, Yiddish speakers – and…
BS”D 3 Tamuz 5781 We are now publishing a chapter by chapter summary of Majer Bałaban’s Historia Żydow w Krakowie i na Kazimierzu 1304-1868 (Kraków, “Nadzieja”, 1931) – History of the Jews in Kraków and in Kazimierz – which will be able to be found under the category “Bałaban” and “History”. We express our hopes that it might be useful. This is chapter one, tome one, pages three to fifteen, titled “Oldest News about the Jews in Kraków” The Jewish community in Krakow is, according to the author, not the oldest in Poland. Jews came to what is now Poland both from the West and the East, those in Krakow settling mostly from the West. Jews, however, were in Poland since the end of the 11th century.…
BS”D 1 Tamuz 5781 From our weekly life First of all, please accept my renewed bestest wishes for the new month. I hope the weather will stay warm and everyone will be able to enjoy the summer. The Community has been providing for centuries for our members in Kraków. In spite of wars, pogroms and medical emergencies, we have kept a safe place where Jews could feel at home. Language lessons, medical help, a meeting place for, in which we can meet and chat, the community is a haven for the troubles of daily life and the centre of Jewish life in Kraków. It seems sad to me that there are organisations that, using Judaism, seek self-promotion and claim that Judaism had, before their advent, disappeared from…
BS”D 30 Sivan 5781 Hodesh tov! Today we start Chapter 2 of Mesillas Yesharim, a chapter called “The Virtue of Vigilance”. R. Luzzatto begins by stating that the concept of vigilance refers to being careful about one’s actions. One should think about one’s actions and whether they are good or not. R. Luzzatto mentions being vigilant about one’s habits and not repeat them without thinking about them. Examining one’s habits is very important. Repetition leads to inattention and carelessness. One can begin to take things for granted and not be thankful everyday for one’s blessings. In the second paragraph R. Luzzatto states that paying attention would actually be common sense. Somebody who has minimal understanding should try to save himself and not lose his soul. R. Luzzatto…