From the Holocaust to the Revival of Jewish Life in Poland

In this program, you will learn about Jewish life in Poland, tracing events from before the terror of the Holocaust to contemporary efforts to revive Jewish life and culture. People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to participate in this journey.

Your program begins and ends in Krakow, Poland, the intellectual and cultural heart of Poland. Krakow was spared the destruction that befell many European cities during World War II, so you will walk cobblestone streets nestled between Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic buildings. In Krakow, you will be introduced to Jewish life and culture in the Polish context.

Then, you will travel by a short bus ride to Oswiecim, Poland and the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. More than 1 million visitors each year cross the threshold of this World Heritage Site. You will have an insider's view of history through special guided tours, visits with museum staff, and a talk with a survivor, when available. You will spend five days here and help preserve memory through hands-on service at Auschwitz and at the nearby Jewish cemetery. We perform whatever service is needed at the sites, which may include groundskeeping, general maintenance, and work with artifacts.