An Introduction to the Almost Vanished World of Polish Hasidism
This talk gives a short introduction to the ideas, diverse personalities, and communities of Polish Hasidism—from charismatic rabbinic leaders who supported Polish national independence, to urban Hasidic working class, industrialists, and even a multi-millionaire rebbe. Let’s uncover a vanished world that produced Zionist and Socialist pioneer Hasidim, Rebbes and Roshei Yeshivot who became politicians, statesmen and partisans while not forgetting the female Hasidim. We will also trace as to what extent Polish Hasidic traditions survived the Holocaust and continue to shape communities in Israel, North America and in Europe today.
About the Speaker:
Gabriella Licsko, is a Hungarian-Israeli researcher and lecturer about the various sectors and subdivisions of Orthodox Jewish society and history of Orthodox Jewish communities with a particular interest in Orthodox Jewish fashion and dressing codes and the history and legacy of Polish Hasidic groups. She is the co-founder and historian of Polish Tisch which is a unique, international initiative exploring the history, religious teachings and the cultural and intellectual legacy of Polish Hasidic communities (originating from Central Poland), through bi-weekly, 90-minute, interactive, lectures in English, via Zoom. The project, which started in 2020 attracts a diverse audience from noted academics and researchers to laypeople, Rabbinical scholars, Orthodox and secular Jews and non-Jews. Gabriella holds a B.A in Cultural Studies from Széchényi István University of Győr, Hungary , a B.A from Social Work from Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel and an M.A in Jewish Cultural History from Jewish Theological Seminary University of Jewish Studies, Budapest, Hungary.
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