Explore the Jewish communities of Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia-HerzegovinaEmbark on an immersive virtual tour that traces the rich history, culture, and enduring legacy of Jewish communities across the Balkans.
In this two-part series, we’ll delve into the heart of Jewish life in Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, uncovering their origins, traditions, and the profound impact of historical events on these communities.
- Part I: Settlement, Growth, and Flourishing Communities
Together we will step into the world of Sephardic Jewish communities as they first settled in the region, developed, and thrived.
Our tour will take us to the key cities like Belgrade, Subotica, Sarajevo, Maribor, Ljubljana, and more.
We'll see both existing and destroyed synagogues and explore the daily lives of Jewish families, discovering their homes, clothing, food, and unique traditions.
This part of the tour highlights the vibrant culture and flourishing communities that emerged after the Sephardic Jews arrived in the Balkans following the Spanish Inquisition.
- Part II: The 20th Century – Changes, Challenges, Destruction, and Rebirth
In the second part of the series, we explore the 20th century, a time marked by significant transformation for Jewish communities in the Balkans.
The early part of the century saw Jewish communities achieve remarkable success, blending traditional life with modern professions and businesses. Jews played a crucial role in supporting national movements across these countries, contributing to their political and cultural development.
However, this period of success was followed by immense challenges and persecution.
We'll learn about the destruction and adversity faced by these communities, as well as the resilience and bravery of Jewish partisans, with a special focus on the Jewish women partisans of Serbia.
We’ll of course highlight the Sarajevo Haggadah, a priceless artifact symbolizing the cultural endurance of the Jewish people.
Finally, we’ll examine the present-day Jewish communities in the Balkans, exploring their survival and evolution through modern photographs and engaging stories.
This journey offers a rich historical context, beautiful visuals, and powerful narratives, providing a profound understanding of Jewish life and legacy in the Balkans.