Each month starting in January, we will share a blog post about the Volunteer of the Month featured in our JCC 2017 calendar, which is dedicated to the young adults who spend their time volunteering at the JCC to help us rebuild Jewish life in Krakow.

Where are you from?

I'm from Krakow and studying Computer Science.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the JCC?

You could say it happened by luck, but I know it was meant to be. I had just graduated from high school and decided that I wanted to help people and participate in a volunteer project. I started searching for volunteering programs in Krakow and found out about the Volunteer Program the JCC. I was unaware there was a Jewish community here and so I thought it would be a great opportunity to both help people and learn about their culture. Volunteering at the JCC has given me a unique opportunity to learn and experience Jewish culture from inside the community.

What is your best JCC experience?

I've been volunteering at the JCC for almost three years and it's really hard for me to choose! I enjoy talking to volunteers, members and tourists and listening to their stories and sharing my own. Every time I come to JCC I learn something new. JCC feels like home, it's hard to pick the best thing about home, the most amazing thing is that it just a great place to be.

Maciej and other JCC Volunteers featured in our 2017 calendar

What is one of your favorite things at the JCC?

The orange couch at reception. Whenever you have to leave the JCC, you can't simply do it, because you will surely meet someone and talk to them for an hour or so and you will end up sitting on the couch discussing everything. It happens every time I come to the JCC. I believe that the fact that you can enter JCC and instantly make yourself comfortable on this couch is just great!