IMPACT
JCC Krakow serves as an institution of Jewish culture and learning for hundreds of local Jewish members, thousands of tourists, and the broader Krakow community.
In just 14 years, the JCC has transformed the narrative about Jewish Poland. A story once thought to have ended with the Holocaust now continues on with the rebirth of a thriving, modern Polish Jewish community. Our programming focuses on building and strengthening Jewish life in Krakow through social, educational, and religious events. We reach all generations, from the Holocaust survivors enjoying educational lectures and physical rehabilitation classes in our Senior Club to the preschoolers learning their first Hebrew letters in our FRAJDA Early Childhood Center.
The JCC serves not only members of the Jewish community, but also non-Jewish Poles and foreigners, breaking down stigmas about Jewish life in Poland. A Jewish future is not only possible in Poland; it is happening.
Above: JCC Krakow’s Senior Club enjoying a meal in their vibrant dedicated space. Many of these seniors attend programming, meals, and social events every day of the week, and are valued as leaders amongst their peers and the larger Jewish community.
Senior Club
JCC Krakow's Senior Club is open six days every week and includes 60+ Holocaust survivors. Our seniors meet, share meals or a cup of coffee, and participate in a full schedule of programs. Activities include Senior University and classes on topics such as English, mind training, technology, yoga, rehabilitation, sewing, cooking, and singing, as well as intergenerational programming with other JCC Krakow members.
“The JCC has become the focus of my life. I eat meals here. Learn skills here. Meet with my friends here. And simply feel at home. I can't tell you how important this place is to me and other people like me. Thank G-d we have this center.” – Zosia, Holocaust Survivor
The inaugural Ride For The Living made a unique impact for the Senior Club specifically— funds raised in 2014 supported a week-long trip to Israel for child survivors of the Holocaust. For some, it was their first time in Israel, and for most, their only opportunity to travel abroad with fellow community members.
Above: Stylish FRAJDA preschoolers thrilled to be exploring their new classroom in the first Jewish preschool of its kind to open in Krakow in over 70 years.
FRAJDA Early Childhood Center
The JCC's youngest members learn and play at FRAJDA, our new full-time pluralistic Jewish preschool. FRAJDA is the first such institution to open in Krakow in over half a century. The preschool's name, meaning "joy" in both Yiddish and Polish, reflects the centuries of close relations between Jews and Poles upon which we build at JCC Krakow.
“We first joined JCC Krakow because of our daughter Sara. Growing up, we had no Jewish community to connect to. That is why it is very important that our daughters receive a Jewish education, understand their tradition, learn Hebrew, and have contact with other Jewish children. We feel blessed to have FRAJDA and the teachers who care for our children. When Sara spends time in a bigger group of kids, we see that she learns faster and makes better progress.” - Michal, FRAJDA Early Childhood Center Parent
Above: Students members of Hillel Gimel learning about and celebrating Sukkot by shaking the Lulav and Etrog.
Hillel Gimel
Ten years ago, most young Krakowian Jews knew few, if any, others who shared their religious and cultural background. A fledgling Jewish student club emerged at the JCC to support young adults in Krakow, who often discover their Jewish roots in their teens and twenties and do not know where to turn. Today, that student club has become part of Hillel International, and offers 50+ opportunities for students to connect with like-minded peers from around the world every year.
“I have been a part of JCC Krakow from the very beginning, and I feel so lucky to be involved with a center so full of opportunities. I first came here for Sunday School, then became a madricha for Poland's Jewish summer camps, and then worked at the Sunday School. My friends and I created Hillel GIMEL Jewish student club. I have grown up at JCC Krakow, and I can't wait for my kids to grow up here too!” – Marcjanna, Hillel GIMEL Director
Above: Members and visitors from multiple generations gather to celebrate Shabbat at JCC Krakow.
Shabbat Dinners & Jewish Holidays
In order to ensure Jewish continuity, JCC Krakow believes all generations must see a place for themselves within our community. The JCC emphasizes intergenerational activities with the knowledge that all community members can learn from one another as they forge individual Jewish identities.
Many of our members had never celebrated Shabbat or any other Jewish holiday prior to the JCC's opening. Now members can enjoy a weekly kosher Shabbat dinner alongside visitors from around the world. We also celebrate holidays together with meals in our hand-built sukkah, purim spiels, and communal seders.
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