Series: Jewish heritage in the architecture of Gliwice and Silesia Lecture: Architecture related to the festival of Sukkot

The history of the Jewish community in Gliwice is an important and still not fully told chapter of the history of the city. The first mentions of settlers of the Mosaist faith appear already in the 17th century, while the dynamic development of Gliwice in the 19th century was largely associated with the activity of entrepreneurs, industrialists and architects with Jewish roots. However, the tragic finale of this story — marked by the persecution and extermination of Gliwice Jews during Nazi Germany — failed to completely erase the traces of their presence.

To this day we find them in the architectural fabric of the city. During the series of lectures, which have been held since February at the Upper Silesian Jewish Memorial House, we will take a closer look at them. The meetings were prepared and led by Ewa Pokorska-Ożóg — architect, Municipal Conservator of Monuments in Gliwice, author of the bestselling book “Colors of the City”. The October meeting, the first after the holiday break, at the Upper Silesian Jewish Memorial House will be devoted to architecture related to the Sukkot holiday. We invite you on Thursday, October 15 to the Upper Silesian Jewish Memorial House at 17.00. Admission, of course, is free.

“Kuchkas, temporary tent-like structures, also called sukka, are objects associated with the festival of Sukkot. They were placed outdoors, such as in the yard or balcony. In these makeshift buildings, the Jews spent seven days, including eating meals. This commemorated the Israelites' wanderings through the desert after leaving Egypt. It was then that they necessarily had to live in huts. Do we have such a surprising monument in Gliwice? Possibly. We will compare it with other preserved objects of this type in Lodz or Piotrków. Where in Gliwice is such a special building located? The puzzle will be solved during the lecture,” says Ewa Pokorska-Ożóg. Show less