Not so long ago, we were recollecting the moments of our first meeting. I met you in 1980, in Beit Hamidrash, no longer existing now, exactly where the JCC building is standing today. And then, more and more often, for many years we saw each other at the headquarters of the Jewish Community at Skawinska Street, then at the office in the Kupa synagogue, during countless events and celebrations, at every Festival, and recently at the hospital, for the last time. And it was there that we made a deal, you remember, don’t you:

Tadziu, after a longer period of absence, we will return with festival concerts to the Tempel Synagogue, and, during the concert of the cantors’, you will sit in the front row as usual, and I will sit next to you. And we will both announce the return of Cantor Benzion Miller. Just say ‘yes’ and that you will be there.” “All right”, you said, “I will. Together we will be there.”

You witnessed the creation of the Festival of Jewish Culture, and you would never call different than “‘our Festival”. And as you always keep your word, I know that you will be with us when the cantor’s voice resonates in the Tempel Synagogue and the Song of Ascends sounds for you:

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.* Let your ears be attentive. *to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, *who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,*  so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits*  and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord*    more than watchmen wait for the morning,* more than watchmen wait for the morning.
 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, *for with the Lord is unfailing love* and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

I’m not saying goodbye to you, Dear Tadeusz, because how could I say goodbye to someone whose presence in this city will never be gone? Rest, my dear, a long road is behind you, you deserve to breathe away from the hustle and bustle of history, to immerse yourself in a different world. Do not run any more. Stay calm, just now, when the moon rises over Kazimierz and its light gently illuminates your good name

Janusz Makuch

photo: Edyta Dufaj, March of Remembrance on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Krakow ghetto liquidation, March 2023