Join us for an evocative exploration into the quiet, powerful traces of Jewish life in Poland before World War II, led by CWB Scholar Avi Ben-Hur, Helena Czernek and Aleksander Prugar, the creators behind Mi Polin.
Through a unique project that spans multiple countries and decades, Czernek and Prugar have uncovered and recreated the traces of mezuzahs—symbols of Jewish presence—that once adorned the doorposts of Jewish homes and synagogues. These mezuzah traces, often subtle imprints left behind by missing mezuzahs, serve as silent yet poignant reminders of the vibrant Jewish communities that flourished in Poland before the Holocaust.
The event will begin with an introduction by scholar Avi Ben-Hur, who will provide essential historical context on Jewish life in pre-war Poland, touching upon the rich culture and traditions that once defined the Jewish community there. Czernek and Prugar will then share the remarkable stories behind the mezuzah traces they have uncovered in 92 cities across Poland, as well as other countries like Ukraine, Belarus, and Morocco. Through their work, they have documented over 170 mezuzahs—each representing a powerful link to the vibrant Jewish communities that flourished for over 900 years.
The program will delve into the significance of these traces—grooves, contours, and markings left on doorposts—each one a symbol of the lives and cultures lost in the Holocaust. The mezuzahs are not replicas but new creations molded from the imprints of the original mezuzahs, offering a connection to the past while honoring the legacy of the Jewish community in Poland and beyond.
A mezuzah imprint in Warsaw. Photograph © Mi Polin
This event offers participants a chance to reflect on the absence and loss of Jewish life in Poland, while also celebrating the enduring spirit and resilience of the Jewish people. The traces of memory left behind by these mezuzahs speak not only to what was lost but also to the strength of the identity and legacy that continues to resonate with Jewish people around the world today.
Avi Ben-Hur CWB Scholar in Residence
A Brooklyn native, Avi Ben-Hur moved to Israel in 1983. From 2003-2008 Avi was Director of the Archaeological Seminars School for Israeli Tour Guides. In 2008 Avi participated in re-writing the curriculum of the National Guiding courses for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. As a “Scholar in Residence, Avi has lectured, taught and facilitated workshops in the US, Warsaw, Prague, Berlin and Greece. From 1996-2000, Avi taught in Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies. As a guide, Avi has specialized working with organizations focusing on political issues (such as AIPAC & CIJA), inter-faith programs and Holocaust studies. At Present, Avi is an examiner for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism Licensing Boards and is the ongoing scholar in residence of Classrooms Without Borders.
We look forward to sharing this powerful journey of remembrance and connection with you.
Helena studied Product Design at Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, and at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem and Hebrew Studies at Warsaw University. She deals with Jewish design, graphics, photography, calligraphy and Japanese wood block printing. Her project (a collaboration with Klara Jankiewicz) a crosswalk of a shape of piano key was awarded 1st place in a competition for designs promoting the 2010 “Year of Chopin” in Warsaw. She designed also a a yellow paper daffodil for the Museum of The History of Polish Jews as a symbol of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Aleksander studied Journalism and Mass