Treasures of Jewish Culture in Holesov

CODE: CZ-INE 13.25201

Description: The workcamp is organised in cooperation with Municipal Cultural Center Holesov, a non-profit organization that manages most of the Jewish monuments in the city and organizes the Festival of Jewish Culture. The workcamp takes place in Holesov, a small Moravian town, known for its large pre- second world war Jewish community. There is an important Jewish heritage in Holesov – an old synagogue and also a grave of one of the greatest Jewish scholars - Rabbi Shakh. The goal of this workcamp is to maintain the Jewish cemetery, help with the organization of the festival and learn about Jewish heritage. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Type of Work: Most of the time volunteers will work at the Jewish cemetery and in the Shakhs synagogue where you will help with the maintenance of outdoor areas (cleaning pavements, weeding, cutting and raking grass, maintaining graveyards, etc.) You will also help with the preparation of the Jewish Culture Festival which takes place in Holesov during the workcamp (moving and installing various equipment for events etc.). The work can sometimes be moderately physically demanding. Please, bring suitable shoes and working clothes. You will also work on the weekend (because of the festival) but you will get enough time off on other days.

Study Theme: Study part: You will learn a lot about Jewish culture and its heritage through visiting local monuments and experiencing the Jewish Culture Festival (concerts, performances, films etc.). You will also have a chance to meet the local community during a barbecue or at a traditional lunch with the representatives of the community town.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in a house near the workplace, sleeping on matrasses all together in one room. Please, bring a sleeping bag. There are 2 toilets in the acommodation, showers are apart in the castle complex approximately 500 meters from the accommodation. WIFI is not available in the building - only at the synagogue and the castle. Volunteers will cook meals together as a group. If you need to use washing machines, it can be arranged.

Language: A basic level of english is required.

Requirements: Requirements: Please beware that the work will take place outdoors and suitable clothes and shoes are needed. We recommend a hat to protect from the sun and a raincoat in case of light rain. Please bring a sleeping bag. We advise you to bring a repellent (protection against ticks). There is a chance of an allergic reaction (working with grass).

Notes: Volunteers interested in the Jewish or Morav

Approximate Location:The project takes place in Holesov (12,000 inhabitants), a historical town located in the south-east of the Czech Republic. It is well known for its important Jewish heritage such as a rare synagogue from the 16th century or Holesov cemetery - an important place of pilgrimage for Jews. There is good phone coverage everywhere around the town, ATMs and pharmacies.