Workshop on chevruta with Patrycja Dołowy

On 30.05.2025, the Mszana Dolna Municipal Library hosted a meeting on chevruta - a method of dialogue, commenting on and understanding texts that originates from the tradition of Judaism. We were led by Patrycja Dołowy, PhD, a well-known writer, populariser of science and social activist.

After a very interesting lecture, the participants proceeded to analyse the poems/songs of two Jewish bards: Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. These were essentially the great questions of these eminent artists, dealing with the most important existential issues: 'Who by fire” by Cohen and “Blowin in the Wind” by Dylan.

The participants read the texts aloud, and then, working in pairs, they developed their own interpretations, sharing their conclusions in a summary. Those taking part in the online workshop also had the opportunity to add their thoughts.

At the end, the participants shared the traditional Friday challah, and with refreshments prepared for the upcoming festival of Shavuot, therefore cheese and milk, the backstage conversations continued. The audience also had the opportunity to have a personal conversation with our guest speaker and to obtain a dedication in the books of Patrycja.

With this event, our Sztetl Mszana Dolna Foundation, inaugurated the 4th edition of the educational project ‘The Story of Bicultural, Pre-War Mszana Dolna’.

The event, like the entire project, was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Town Mayor, Ms Agnieszka Orzeł.

Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage under the Programme of the National Centre for Culture EtnoPolska.. Edition 2025

Photos by: Urszula Antosz-Rekucka