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In Poland, Kazia Embraces her Judaism for the First Time at 34
Though Kazia, age 34, grew up knowing that her mother was Jewish, she, like most of the Polish population after World War II, was raised Catholic. "Everyone was afraid of the consequences of having people know they were Jewish," she said, shyly. "My family was no exception."
So when Kazia married and had a son, Maciej, now 10 years old, she continued to keep her Jewish roots secret from them and her extended family. "I did not want anyone to find out about my history; I was terrified about what it would mean." But when a friend told Kazia about Friday night Shabbat ceremonies where Jews and non-Jews celebrate together, Kazia agreed to attend. The two young women greatly enjoyed the Shabbat celebration at "Beit Warszawa," a Reform Congregation based in Warsaw. Kazia was so inspired that, in the year that followed, every Friday evening she left her home and family for some hours without telling her husband — a Polish Catholic — where she was going. "I wanted to share this with him, but was afraid of his reaction," she admitted. Soon Kazia’s husband became suspicious of her consistent absence each week, convinced that she was being unfaithful in their marriage. One Friday he followed Kazia, expecting to catch her with a lover. Peering through the windows of the building, he instead observed Kazia and others lighting candles and singing songs — a "Beit Warszawa" Shabbat celebration… When Kazia returned home that evening, her husband confronted her. She cried, prepared for the worst. But her husband surprised her; "I have nothing against the fact that you are Jewish," he said, "and you can openly attend these Shabbat celebrations." After a while, Kazia’s husband started to join her on her weekly visits to the synagogue and other activities of "Beit Warszawa." Among efforts to revitalize Jewish life and tradition nearly eradicated from Poland more than half a century ago, JDC is currently in the process of opening a Sunday school at "Beit Warszawa" to teach the youngest generation about Jewish tradition. Kazia’s only son, Maciej, was the first child to put his name on the list to participate. |
