Rabbi Burt Schuman (1947-2024) was the first full-time rabbi in Warsaw’s Progressive congregation, Beit Warszawa, later Beit Polska. Schuman passed on Shabbat morning, Kee Tavo. His brilliant late career was marked by a surprisingly quick grasp of Polish and Yiddish.
He was a gifted teacher and shared musical and vocal talents that inspired a city to emerge into a spiritual awakening.

Generations of Jewish Poles encountered an inspirational Judaism that challenged them to address Jewish treasures in an environment where social justice and moral seriousness were central to Jewish life.

Schuman’s talents were hampered by debilitating symptoms.

In the photo below, Schuman (on the right) is blessing a new cantorial soloist, Menachem Mirski. Schuman conceived the program to train para-cantors. The first graduating class included six people. Today, Mirski is an ordained Conservative rabbi. Three others from the program became rabbis (2), and one became a fully invested cantor. Four others continue to serve as cantorial soloists in Poland. That is just one of Rabbi Schuman’s contributions.

We remember him with great affection. It was reported to us that Rabbi Schuman was able to teach and participate in choirs for some time before his death.

His contribution continues to be a blessing. I am in Poland as we received news of Rabbi Schuman’s passing. Many spoke of him, remembering his work as a golden age of Progressive Jewish life.