Krakow
Second Year students visit to Krakow and Auschwitz in November
2011
For the first time students studying Judaism have visited Krakow
and Auschwitz as part of their Theology and Religious Studies
course. They had the opportunity to spend the day at
Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps where they were able to
spend time reflecting on the impact of the events that unfolded
during the second world war. It provided a valuable
opportunity to experience first hand a number of issues that they
engage with during the module.
During the second day of the visit the group also visited
Wieliczka Salt Mines and were able to walk through a number of
large intricate chambers which had been converted by the miners
into chapels where services are still held today. They also
visited Schindler's Factory Museum which was the inspiration behind
the film Schindler's List.
The visit included a tour of Krakow's Jewish quarter and a
Kosher meal at a Jewish restaurant where traditional Polish music
was provided.
It is intended that the visit will be offered on an annual
basis.
Student Laura Brown's view of the visit
The pictures, videos, words and survivor accounts, which
cannot be fully understood, are put into context and reality when
visiting, what looks to be an eerie film set, Auschwitz. I would
recommend this trip to anyone, I think its very important to
experience, see for yourself and understand one of the biggest
disasters of history. The experience reinforces how real and
horrific the holocaust, its effects and victims were. This trip is
something I will never forget and have learnt from
greatly.
Student Stroma McDermott's view of the
visit
I really enjoyed the trip, it was interesting,
challenging, moving and very social and would recommend it to
anyone. It helped put the events of the 20th C in perspective and
made them more personal but I don't think you just have to be
doing the Judaism module for it to be relevant, or have an impact.
Even now I find it is making me think about humanity and its
behaviours in a different way.
Krakow Visit 2013
To all level One and Two Judaism students
If you are thinking about studying Judaism at Level 2 next year,
or have been this year, we would like to make you aware of an
optional trip which is being offered to students on the module.
Three Night Visit to Krakow
Saturday 9th - Tuesday 12th November
2013
This three day optional visit to Krakow will give you the
opportunity to gain a more personal, in-depth perspective on the
Holocaust and Jewish life in Poland.
The visit includes:
A tour of the Jewish quarter in Krakow
Full day visit to Auschwitz / Birkenau concentration
camps
A half day visit to the salt mines at Wielicszka
Optional tour of Schindler’s factory museum
Estimated cost £400
If you are interested in booking please email Kathryn Eldred
k.eldred@yorksj.ac.uk
(Places will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’
basis)