Birkat Ha Bajt – workshops on blessing of the home with Hanna Kossowska, Warsaw-based actress, artist and educator

One of the most beautiful things a person can do for another is to bless them.

Judaism has many blessings, some of which we know well from the Bible. Christianity draws heavily on Old Testament, and therefore Jewish, blessings. In these difficult times of division and escalating ill feelings, we all need blessings very much.

A particularly widespread blessing found in Jewish homes is Birkat ha Bait, the Jewish Blessing of the Home. It contains wishes for safety, love, joy and all that is good. 

On 16 June 2025 we were introduced to its secrets by Hanna Kossowska: a woman of many talents – actress, artist, painter, graphic designer, jewellery designer, ethnographer, social activist, educator. She has starred in many important films, including ‘Schindler's List’ and ‘Korczak’. She has been a consultant on numerous productions on Jewish themes, working with the greatest Polish directors.

After an introductory lecture and presentation by the host, the participants proceeded to make their own blessings from materials brought by her and purchased by the organisers. The results exceeded everyone's expectations!

At the end, the artists presented their blessings and, over traditional refreshments, there was a long and cordial discussion.

This was already the fourth meeting of new project of the Sztetl Mszana Dolna Foundation: “Hitchhiker Guide to Judaism”. Its aim is to bring the current residents closer to the world that practically ceased to exist as a result of the terrible Holocaust, as well as to build bridges of understanding and dialogue.

Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund

The event, like the entire project, was held under the honorary patronage of the Mayor of Mszana Dolna, Agnieszka Orzeł.