Uncovering Jewish Pasts, Reimagining Jewish Futures: Generation(s) Unexpected in Contemporary Poland

In the wake of communism’s collapse, an “unexpected” generation of Jews emerged in Poland—descendants of those who had lived through silence, secrecy, and erasure. Once home to the largest Jewish community in the world and later the site of its greatest tragedy, Poland began experiencing what has been called a “Jewish renaissance”. Yet beneath the surface of this revival lie deeply personal and often fraught journeys of rediscovery.

Drawing from personal experience and research, Katka Reszke, PhD explores the complexities of memory and identity in uncovering Jewish roots in post-communist Poland. There is nothing straightforward about navigating the tensions between history, belonging, and self-definition in the aftermath of rupture and silence. But Jewishness is being reclaimed, redefined, and reimagined in Poland, offering intriguing and exciting contributions to contemporary identity debate. 

Katka Reszke is a Polish-born, U.S.-based author, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and researcher in Jewish history, culture, and identity.  She is the author of Return Of The Jew: Identity Narratives of the Third Post-Holocaust Generation of Jews in Poland (2013) and the chief screenwriter of the acclaimed partially animated documentary film Karski & The Lords of Humanity (2015).

Following the program, we will continue the conversation with a home-cooked lunch around our community table.  All are welcome!  Advance lunch reservations are required and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 on Wednesday before 9 a.m.  Suggested donation of $3 for adults over age 60.  $7 for all others.

Federation makes these programs possible through the generous support of our community.