"Świętokrzyski Sztetl" Education and Museum Center in Chmielnik

The Jewish community left a permanent mark on the architecture and culture of Świetokrzyskie towns.

As a result of the tragic events of World War II, few places connected with Jews have survived to the present day. Those that have remained, testify explicitly to the richness of Jewish customs and traditions. For them, it is worth visiting Szydłów, where there is a Renaissance synagogue, the interior of which attracts attention with its carved Aron ha Kodesh, i.e., an altar cabinet for the Torah, and a delicately ribbed ceiling. An interesting object in Pińczów is the Old Synagogue, which in Polish synagogue architecture is the oldest example of a temple with the so-called longitudinal layout.

However, the town that most commemorates the history of the former Jewish inhabitants is Chmielnik. In the building of the former synagogue from the 18th century a modern "Świętokrzyski Sztetl" Education and Museum Center was established. A visit there is a fascinating walk through the prewar streets of Chmielnik, a journey into the traditions of the shtetl and a close encounter with a family preparing a ceremonial Shabbat. It allows you to discover and get to know many places where Poles and Jews lived side by side for centuries.