For the last several years Midreshet Lindenbaum has offered an independent Journey to Poland – immediately after Sukkot. Each year approximately fifty percent of our students participate. It is an intensive trip that combines serious study of the vibrant Jewish life in pre-war Poland with that of the tragedy of the Shoah.
The trip is geared to both the mind and the heart. There is much information conveyed and much joy and sadness that is experienced. Our students begin to understand the vastness of the tragedy while identifying with the victims and their suffering.
Each year we become convinced again and again that the journey to Poland is not only a maturing experience but that it has significant impact on our students’ national and religious identity. As one of this year’s students wrote: “Not only did I walk away from this experience feeling emotionally moved by the events of the past, but the amount of knowledge and life lessons that I gained from my Poland experience is so valuable and something I will carry with me for the rest of my life…I look forward to seeing you when I return (I never thought I would miss Israel so much!).”
