The New York Jewish Travel Guide had the opportunity to interview Rabbi Szychowski of Shavei Israel,, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the Jewish community of Lodz. Here is a condensed and refined version of the conversation.
NYJTG: Rabbi, could you please share some insights about your background and where you come from?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: Certainly. I was born in Biała Podlaska, Poland, into a non-religious family. Although there were family tales about my Jewish grandmother, my initial connection to Judaism began when I moved to Krakow for my studies. There, I started to engage with the local Jewish community and gradually became more observant. However, I soon realized that tracing my Jewish roots was complicated due to the lack of documentation. To solidify my Jewish identity, I ultimately underwent a conversion process in Israel. My family also has a connection to Yiddishkeit, with my brother actively involved in the Warsaw community. So, my identity is deeply intertwined with this family history.
NYJTG: How did you come across the idea of undergoing a conversion process, and did you research it yourself given your non-religious upbringing? Additionally, where did you pursue your studies to become a Rabbi?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: The idea of conversion initially stemmed from family history and discussions. As I embarked on my journey towards greater religious observance, I sought guidance from the rabbi in Krakow. Typically, one needs specific documents to verify their Jewish heritage for conversion, but in my case, these documents proved elusive. Despite my own research efforts, I couldn’t procure any such records. Nonetheless, the pursuit itself unearthed a compelling narrative reminiscent of the stories passed down in my family. This voyage led me to the synagogue, where I began to nurture my Jewish identity.
No, I did not have a religious upbringing. I initiated my exploration of Judaism by enrolling in philosophy studies at the university in Krakow, all while studying under the tutelage of my rabbi. Later, I embarked on a journey to Jerusalem for further studies. This path resonated deeply with me—a profound connection to my inner self, my intellectual side—and held immense allure. Despite the challenges along the way, I dedicated six years to my rabbinical studies in Jerusalem, in addition to the nine years I spent studying under my previous rabbi. My journey began at the very foundation, from the ground up.
NYJTG: Could you tell us more about your role and responsibilities as a rabbi in Lodz? Additionally, do you have an estimate of the number of Jews residing in the area?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: My role encompasses various aspects of Jewish life. This includes conducting tefillot services, overseeing the availability of kosher food, officiating marriages, and funerals, and more. Essentially, I provide the community with access to the religious dimension of life. Moreover, I also function as a counselor or psychologist, as part of a rabbi’s duties often involves engaging with people on a personal level to provide guidance and support. This aspect of the role is somewhat akin to psychology.
As for the number of Jews in Lodz, there are estimates suggesting approximately 2,500 Jewish residents. When I walk around, I often come across Jewish names on intercoms or at people’s homes. There’s a palpable sense of belonging to a larger Jewish community. Among these residents, there are roughly 100 active members. However, their level of involvement varies, and many are elderly, making it challenging for them to attend daily services except on Shabbat and holidays. Regarding their specific level of religious observance, I do not have comprehensive data, but they express a desire to be part of a Jewish Orthodox community with an Orthodox rabbi.
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski – New York Jewish Travel Guide
NYJTG: Do individuals approach you expressing an interest in conversion or a desire to learn more about their Jewish heritage?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: Absolutely, individuals do express their interest. Initially, I offer lectures to inspire and engage them, aiming to bring them closer to Yiddishkeit. Each person’s journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to their level of understanding and in a manner that resonates with them personally. It’s a highly individual process.
Furthermore, I’m looking to establish partnerships and host lectures in collaboration with the Marek Edelman Dialogue Center. We’re keen on offering open lectures for the people of Lodz. There’s a crucial role for Jewish communities in the diaspora to engage with non-Jewish communities. People are genuinely curious about what Judaism and Yiddishkeit have to say about life, war, ecology, politics, and more. Certainly, the interest in comprehending the wisdom that the Jewish people have accumulated during their return to the land of Israel after a 2,000-year absence is a matter of great significance.
NYJTG: Do you conduct lectures and classes on Jewish culture at your synagogue, and what is the typical attendance like?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: Yes, we do host lectures and classes both here and in other locations. Attendance varies; sometimes we have as many as 300 attendees, while other times it may be as few as 15 or 50 individuals. I’ve also given lectures in many different cities, primarily for non-Jewish audiences. These sessions are geared towards educating the next generation about Jewish culture, history, and related topics. They often delve into complex subjects, such as Polish-Jewish relations.
For instance, on the Fourth of July, U.S. Independence Day, we’re planning to organize a Hasidic Tisch here. Our aim is to make this event open to both non-Jewish and Jewish attendees, providing an opportunity for people to come together through Hasidic thought, texts, and dances.
We’ve also conducted seminars, with one week spent in Israel and another week here, in partnership with an organization called Elul. While this required some initial investment, it was essentially a pilot or start-up effort. Ten individuals learned to become “madrichim” (coordinators or teachers). These individuals already possess knowledge of Judaism, but our goal is to open doors for those who don’t have this knowledge. Ultimately, our aim is to contribute to the realization of the Messianic era, because when non-Jewish individuals seek Jewish wisdom, it’s our duty to provide answers.
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski – New York Jewish Travel Guide
NYJTG: Shifting to a different topic, could you share your experience with keeping kosher in Lodz?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: In Lodz, we have access to kosher meat, as there are places with ‘Shechita’ in Poland. Obtaining kosher fish and vegetables is also relatively easy. We have a kosher bakery, although we lack a dedicated kosher store in Lodz. The mashgiach oversees our kitchen, ensuring adherence to kosher guidelines and even turning off the oven.
Unfortunately, there are no kosher restaurants or kosher stores in the city. However, Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich of Poland has compiled a kosher list of products that you can purchase in regular supermarkets. He devoted over 10 years to this research, and the list is available on their website.
NYJTG: Does the community celebrate Chanukkah by lighting the large menorah outside?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: We do celebrate Chanukkah, and we have a menorah inside the hall where we gather in the dining room. We also have some sizable menorahs, as well as smaller ones for the children of the Julia organization. Additionally, we celebrate Simchat Torah. Sometimes, we need to encourage community members to participate and engage more actively, especially when it comes to organizing events.
For various holidays, we have specific traditions and observances. For instance, during Purim, we read the Megillah, have a ‘Seudat Purim,’ exchange Mishloach Manot, and during Shavuot, we stay up all night studying until dawn. We also observe Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and other sacred days. I’ve initiated a Kollel twice a week, but we need to secure additional funds for its sustainability.
NYJTG: What educational opportunities are available for Jewish children in Lodz?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: Initially, we established a kindergarten when we arrived here. However, we are in the process of transitioning to a more comprehensive Jewish education program, not only for children but for individuals of all ages. In the kindergarten, we cater to children aged three to five, with about five constant attendees. We also have a group of approximately 30 children ranging from nine to 14 years old, as well as teenagers.
While there is a Sunday school, we don’t currently have a dedicated Jewish day school. Consequently, many families are sending their children to open public schools. We’re actively exploring the possibility of introducing after-school programs for the upcoming year in response to the community’s expressed interest.
NYJTG: Do you believe there’s a significant opportunity for the growth of the Jewish community in Lodz?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: The potential for community growth is uncertain and ultimately lies in the hands of the people and God. I can’t predict it with certainty. Perhaps in the coming months, there might be favorable circumstances in Lodz that attract Jews to start a Jewish life here, but it’s hard to predict. The challenge lies in the fact that life in Lodz is quite distant from Jewish life.
There are around 2,000 Jews in Lodz, but it remains to be seen if they will choose to engage in a Jewish community here, given the current circumstances. I will certainly make efforts to reach out and bring them into the fold, but I believe the future of the Jewish community in the diaspora may rely on emissaries (Shloshim) from Israel. They come to other countries for a specific period, fulfill their mission, and then return to Israel.
For example, there are Israelis on vacation who want to volunteer here for a period, perhaps to teach Hebrew or engage in other activities. I see this as the future of our Jewish community. There are also students and young people from Israel who want to come to Europe, Poland in particular, to explore their Jewish roots and contribute in meaningful ways. We must build upon their enthusiasm.
However, there are different layers within the Jewish community. Jews from Poland have remained here, essentially in their second exile. In contrast, Israelis coming to Poland represent the third exile and have different experiences and objectives.
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski- New York Jewish Travel Guide
NYJTG: Is there any presence of anti-Semitism in Lodz? And what are your aspirations for the community over the next two to three years?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: Based on my own experiences, I haven’t personally encountered any anti-Semitism. I wear my kippah and tzitzit openly, and while some people may give me curious looks, most simply smile.
We have several plans in motion. First and foremost, we are working on achieving self-sufficiency by constructing a significant hotel with an attached synagogue. This is an exciting development for us, as it would be the first new synagogue of its kind in Poland to be in active use. The establishment will serve as both a hotel with a restaurant and a synagogue, complete with a conference facility. While it’s not yet complete, it’s a significant step forward. We’re also in the process of developing a substantial project aimed at revitalizing the entire cemetery. Additionally, we intend to create a website where individuals can access burial information, and any Jewish person interested can decide whether they want to restore a Matzeva (gravestone).
NYJTG: It’s great to learn about your ambitious plans to build a hotel, synagogue, and school for the community. Do you have a budget in place for this project?
Rabbi Dawid Szychowski: The school is a future consideration; currently, our focus is on attracting and reaching out to people. Roughly half of the budget will be funded through support from the European Union, and the remaining half will be raised through donations. We’ve initiated discussions with potential donors and are also exploring partnerships with Jewish organizations that may be interested in contributing. Our aim is to avoid involving non-Jewish companies in the project. The project is set to commence in September, following two and a half years of planning. Additionally, we have plans to revitalize our existing facilities and allocate some space to cater to the community’s needs.
NYJTG: Thank you very much, Rabbi, for your time and for sharing this valuable information with us. We appreciate it, and our readers will surely find it enlightening.
For more information, visit:
To plan a trip to Poland, contact the Polish Tourism Board or log on to: https://www.poland.travel/en and http://travel.uml.lodz.pl/.
Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide, and New York Jewish Guide.com
The author took part in a press trip sponsored by the Polish Tourism Board.
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