Rediscovering Traces of Memory: The Jewish Heritage of Polish Galicia [Second edition]

The traces of the Jewish past in Poland are complex, with evidence of ruin and widespread traces of the elaborate Jewish culture that once flourished there. After the war, forty years of communism suppressed the memory of the destroyed Jewish heritage, but today, the historic Jewish culture of Poland is increasingly being memorialized. Synagogues and cemeteries are being renovated, monuments and museums are being set up, festivals of Jewish culture are being held, hasidic pilgrims are visiting, and Jewish tourists are coming. There are also clear signs of a local Jewish revival. This second edition of the book includes forty-five new photographs and updated explanatory texts to help make sense of the past and discover its relevance for the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2018
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The intricate tapestry of the Jewish past in Poland is a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Jewish community. While the aftermath of the Holocaust left a devastating impact, remnants of the vibrant Jewish culture still exist, etched into the landscape of villages and small towns. The scars of the war are evident in the haunting presence of places where Jews were brutally executed by the German forces, not only in death camps and ghettos but also in fields, forests, rivers, and cemeteries. Over four decades of communism attempted to erase the memory of the destroyed Jewish heritage, but today, a renewed sense of appreciation and memorialization is emerging. Local Poles, alongside foreign Jews, are actively engaged in preserving and celebrating the historic Jewish culture of Poland. Synagogues and cemeteries are being restored, monuments and museums are being established, and festivals of Jewish culture, hasidic pilgrims, and Jewish tourists are attracting visitors from around the world. In the process of rediscovering these traces of memory, there are clear indications of a local Jewish revival. This extensively revised second edition, featuring forty-five new photographs and updated explanatory texts, offers a comprehensive guide to understanding the past and its relevance to the present. With its innovative, multi-layered approach, this book appeals to a wide audience, including historians, memory scholars, and individuals seeking to explore their identity and heritage.

Weight: 702g
Dimension: 218 x 206 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786940872
Edition number: 2 Revised edition