Each month we will share a blog post about the Volunteer of the Month featured in our JCC 2017 calendar which features the young adults, most of whom are not Jewish who spend their time volunteering at the JCC to help us rebuild Jewish life in Krakow.

This month we introduce to you our June Volunteers, Justyna, Magda & Sylwia! They all participated in the 2016 Ride For The Living and this year, Magda & Sylwia will take on the role as one of our marshals. They will know the route inside and out and our Riders can rely on them for help and guidance!

JUSTYNA

Where are you from?

I currently live in Krakow, but originally I am from a small town in Silesia.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the JCC?

I wanted to gain an inside perspective on Jewish culture and practices. Being a volunteer at the JCC gives you all kinds of opportunities to get involved in Jewish life.

What is your best JCC experience?

If I had to choose just one, it would be last year’s Ride For The Living. Specifically, that final moment when we rode through the gates of the JCC at the end of our journey, cheered on and greeted by our community. That was very emotional.

What is one of your favorite things at the JCC?

The best thing about JCC Krakow is that it has become my second family, my home away from home. Being here always puts a smile on my face.

MAGDA

Where are you from?

I'm from Krakow, born and raised.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the JCC?

I enjoy helping people, that’s why I volunteer at several organizations. Volunteering is an important part of my life. It is a perfect opportunity to meet new people and learn about different aspects of life. Moreover, through volunteering I am able to get to know myself better, too.

What is your best JCC experience?

At the JCC, I make new friends and meet interesting people; I familiarize myself with Jewish culture. Every experience at the JCC is wonderful, memorable and unique!

What is one of your favorite things at the JCC?

The visitors! I like it when guests of our city find the time to visit the JCC, discover Krakow through the prism of the city’s Jewish presence, and learn our story.

SYLWIA

Where are you from?

I am from Krakow.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the JCC?

When I was in high school, I went to Jerusalem on a student exchange program, which the JCC helped organize. It was then when I learned about the JCC volunteer program and decided to join. JCC Krakow seemed like a very open, friendly, vibrant place with many opportunities, and I really wanted to be a part of it.

What is your best JCC experience?

My best JCC memory was meeting Marcel Zielinski, a Holocaust survivor. He currently lives in Canada but has joined us for Ride For The Living twice already. It was an unforgettable experience to ride together with him in 2016 RFTL, and I felt honored that he wanted to share his story with me.

What is one of your favorite things at the JCC?
I have two favorite things at the JCC. First, Shabbat dinners when the whole community can gather together after a busy week, rest, celebrate, and rejoice. Second, studying the Torah with the Rabbi every Saturday. I am happy to see that my colleagues - young Jews - have an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Torah as well as of their culture and religion.