Since 2008, Rymanów has been home to “Remembrance Days of the Jewish Community of Rymanów”, organised by the “Meeting-Rymanów” Association, during which the organisers endeavour to preserve the memory of the Jewish inhabitants of the town. The ‘festival” has since developed its traditions and achievements, acknowledged by the Rymanów Jews living abroad, the local community, and those working in the government. The main theme of Remembrance Days in 2020 featured the best-known personality of Rymanów – Menachem Mendel, a rabbi and Chassidic tzaddik who, after the death of Elimelech of Leżajsk, was the unquestioned leader of the Chassidic movement in Galicia. The articles presented in the book portray this exceptional tzaddik in a wide perspective of historical and socio-religious events.

“The texts contained [in this volume] illustrate the rich and varied specificity of the Chassidic movement and region. They are also important in deepening the cultural identity of the inhabitants of Rymanów and the Podkarpacie region. The publication of this book is also important within a much broader dimension, for it will undoubtedly contribute to the promotion of those positive contents supported by the Chassidic movement. For Chassidism is not only a religious or social movement, but a way of being: a great joy of life, openness to God, the world and people, the love of the Other and respect for their differences, and vigilance in tracking down manifestations of hatred. The ever-present message of the Chassidic movement, which is also a virtue of humanity, is respect for the individuality of each person, while at the same time influencing positive change in people, to open those who are closed within themselves, to open to another human being.” – from a review by Prof. Wacław Wierzbieniec

Meeting participants: Michał Galas, Stanisław Materniak, Marek Tuszewicki and Wacław Wierzbieniec
Led by: Jacek Stawiski

In Polish. Free admission.