The seminar, which was conducted by Rabbi Dov Landau, a senior kosher supervisor in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak and under the auspices of Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Shudrich, was initiated because of the reemerging Jewish community in Poland and the increasing demand for locally produced kosher foods.

 

 A rise in Jewish tourism to Poland in recent years has also resulted in a necessity for more kosher food throughout the country. As a result, the graduates are expected to integrate into Poland’s kosher food industry in a very timely manner.

 

"This groundbreaking symposium is part of Shavei Israel’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Jewish life throughout Poland and provide the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to the evolving community of the hidden Jews of Poland,” said Michael Freund, Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel.

 

"Keeping kosher elevates the act of eating and infuses it with spiritual purpose and meaning, which is a Jew’s task in all areas of life. By training a cadre of kosher supervisors, we are helping Poland’s Jews to reconnect with their heritage," he added.

 

The 17 graduates, all in their 20’s and 30’s, learned among others integral lessons vital to kosher food supervision such as the laws of milk and meat, handling of the kitchen before and during Shabbat and the laws pertaining to food on Passover. 

 

On the eve of Nazi Germany's invasion in 1939, Poland had Europe's largest Jewish community -- around 3.2 million people, or some 10 percent of its population.   

 

Polish Jews made up half of the six million victims of the Holocaust, as well as half of the six million Polish citizens who perished during World War II.   

 

In 1946, a year after the war, Poland's Jews numbered just 200,000 according to state data.   

 

Most emigrated amid the creation of Israel in 1948 or anti-Semitic campaigns in the late 1950s and 1968 stoked by power struggles within the communist regime, which led many to cover up their Jewish identity or not pass it on to their children.   

 

Since the regime crumbled in 1989, there has been a rise in the numbers returning to their roots.   

 

Overall, no one knows how many Jews there are in Poland. Estimates range from 20,000 to 50,000, far outstripping those who attend synagogue or are active in the community.   

 

Source: EJP