They are leading and creating organizations and businesses of all kinds, responding to humanitarian crises, writing novels, educating at all levels, creating works of art, and so much more! In celebration of Pardes’s 50th, we are highlighting 50 standout alumni whose accomplishments exemplify the rich texture of the Pardes community worldwide.
Monika Krawczyk is the Director of the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, Poland. She is an attorney and a Jewish community activist.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?
I hope that my work is useful for others, especially in areas void of the once vibrant Jewish community that was in Poland before the war. I am proud to bring a little light that disperses darkness, and to be in Poland where so much Jewish history happened.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS AT PARDES?
It was my first time learning Jewish subjects full time, so every class (and teacher) was exciting. However, since I like the Bible text – I had a great time learning Parshat HaShavua from Rabbi Meir Schweiger.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASSAGE, PASUK, OR TEXT?
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” [Zecharia 4:6]
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SHABBAT GUEST, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Joy Rochwarger z”l, she was the first person to tell me about Pardes Institute and about the study of Jewish text (she was a student of Nechama Lebowitz z”l).
WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THE FIRST TIME AT PARDES?
Opened a Gemara.
WHAT DOES THE JEWISH WORLD NEED MOST RIGHT NOW?
More mutual respect for one another.
HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?
It provided me with the deposit of knowledge that I accumulated, connection with other fellows who live around the world, and an appreciation for the State of Israel, which realizes this verse “Ki mi Zion tetze Torah, u’Dvar Hashem miYerushalaim.“