I started the tour. But I was upset that the guide said talking about Jewish people in mediaeval Poland that the Jews were good with money. This is Antisemitism. Some Jews are, some aren’t just like any people. And Jews were not allowed to practice other professions.
Then at the next stop she talked about mikva’s as ritual cleaning places. But she never mentioned they were solely for women during menstruation - I was shocked she didn’t know this.
I didn’t want to criticise her or have an argument so I left. But I was offended, as a Jewish person myself whose grandmothers came from Lodz
Respuesta de Orange Umbrella Warsaw
Thank you for your review. According to historical sources, the first Jews of Warsaw were mostly merchants and creditors, creditor being the most common job in the early Jewish community of our city (70% of loan activity in years 1421-1466 in Warsaw was performed with the participation of Jews). We are not sure why you see description of historical facts as "antisemitism". The statement that "mykva was solely for women during menstruation" is simply not true. Women using mikvah after the menstruation (it would be quite difficult to use it during the menstruation) is just one of the examples. Women are using mikvah also before getting married, for men it is not obligatory but they also use it on several occassions to affect purity. Also utensils are immersed in mikvah to make it kosher (for more examples of when the Jews immerse in the mikveh please check online sources). It is a pity you did not raise these issues with the guide (we are not sure why you have assumed it would have lead to an argument) as she would have been happy to clear your doubts. Instead, you have left the group without informing the guide which caused a delay as she spent some time waiting and looking just for you. If you have any other doubts regarding the Jewish community of Warsaw please let us know, we will be happy to help.
