Rabbi Haim Beliak

I am writing from Warsaw. In a few hours, I will return to Walnut Creek. Still, my emotions are raw from being a fellow mourner but lifted somewhat by meeting the newer Step by Step students, seeing old friends, and visiting familiar places in Warsaw at this time before the fall holidays. It is a warm fall, and people are still outside in the cafes.



Our chair, Hania Gawronska-Spiewak, was busy with High Holiday preparations on Monday despite many challenges. The recent loss of key individuals in our community, the concerns for Israel, especially the hostage situation, and the challenges of being a small community weigh heavy this year. There is the terrible Ukraine—Russia conflict so close to us. These are so personal for our Beit Warszawa/Beit Polska community—for all of us.


We need this time of introspection (Chesbon HaNefesh). The lessons of the past year require careful examination. The fears and despair accompanying so much of the year need hope. That hope comes wrapped in an embrace of simple gratitude for what there is now. There is also preparation for the future, a horizon that gives us a sense of hope.


Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin

The Beit Warszawa community is preparing to welcome Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin. He will lead during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. His central question will be based on a recent book, Tikkun Ha’Am: Repairing Our People, parts of which are translated into Polish. He will share sermons at Beit Warszawa. After a major turning point such as October 7, 2023, how do we respond as Jews, as Progressive Jews, and as Progressive Jews who care deeply for Israel, as Progressive Jews who care for the welfare of the world?



Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell

Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell will join our community from Sukkot through Simhat Torah teaching a Torah of personal narrative. Rabbi Elwell has written and taught from the perspective of women who brought questions that were often not addressed in our tradition. The powerful stories embodied in women’s lived experiences open up a new connection to the divine. Rabbi Elwell will focus on several themes from her book with Nancy Fuchs Krimer: Chapters of the Heart: Jewish Women Sharing the Torah of Our Lives, several of which are being translated into Polish.



Rabbi Menachem Mirski will return to Poland for the first time since his ordination as a Conservative rabbi. Currently, Rabbi

Mirski serves as a rabbi in Long Beach, California, at Beth Shalom Congregation. His musical talents and philosophical “chops” will be part of our warm welcome to one of “our Polish rabbis.” Details about

Rabbi Mirski’s November visit will be announced in soon.

Menachem Mirski

May the coming year bring peace, the return of the hostages, and a renewed sense of hope. Please support the work of Beit Warszawa/Beit Polska here or visit JewishRenewalinPoland.org. If you are in Warsaw and plan to attend services, please let us know.