At the turn of the summer months, the town of Třebíč in the Vysočina region traditionally hosts the Male Chaim Jewish culture festival, carrying on the traditions of the former "Revived Jewish Town" events and the "Shamajim" festival, while offering new formats too — for adults and children, connoisseurs and newcomers, lovers of culture and history alike.
The programme unfolds across iconic venues of the local Jewish quarter — the Rear Synagogue, the house of Seligmann Bauer and the G34 gallery — and also includes a guided tour of the Jewish cemetery. As in previous years, Saturday will feature the ever-popular performance "Welcome to the Bauers'" by the local theatre troupe, along with a screening of the film "The Shop on Main Street" and short documentaries about Katharina Futterweit and Ivan Lefkovic. Those interested can also join a guided walk through the Jewish quarter and cemetery with an experienced guide.
Market stalls selling Jewish-themed goods will line the square in front of the Rear Synagogue. Guests can look forward to musical performances, lectures, exhibitions and Hebrew workshops for both adults and children, as well as classes on baking traditional Jewish challah and matzo bread. Concerts will feature klezmer and Hasidic songs, alongside theatrical and dance performances.
A dedicated part of the programme is aimed at families with children — organisers have prepared original and themed exhibitions, plus lessons in klezmer, Balkan and folk dancing.
The Male Chaim festival is conceived not merely as a way to discover Jewish culture, but above all as a gathering place — for talented musicians, brilliant artists and interesting people. The event is dedicated to Třebíč native Antonín Kalina, a rescuer of Jewish children honoured with the title "Righteous Among the Nations." During World War II, he saved more than nine hundred Jewish boys.
Source: kudyznudy.cz