Warsaw, Poland – While Jews around the world celebrate Hanukah, recounting it's tale of everlasting light, another story of endurance is being written in Poland.
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Numbering almost half a million, Warsaw was once home to the world's biggest Jewish community outside of New York.
The Nazis all but eradicated them during the holocaust, despite rebellion attempts by the Polish Army and, later, the Jews sequestered to the ghettos. Those who did survive were forced by a Communist regime to abandon or disguise their religion.
Now, more than 60 years later, a new Polish Jewish congregation is rekindling its faith in a wondrous way, with the help of an American Rabbi.
"We're now finding there are thousands and thousands of Poles who are now discovering they have Jewish roots," says Rabbi Michael Schudrich.
For some, the discovery of Jewish roots is life-changing. One extreme story is that of 31-year old Pawel, who was baptized and raised Catholic, with church-going parents.
He spent years as an anti-Semitic skinhead. Six years ago, Pawel learned he was actually Jewish. He was so moved by the news that he not only abandoned his racist views, but also became a practicing, Orthodox member of the synagogue.
He works in the kitchen of a local kosher restaurant, and, together with his wife, Pawel is raising a Jewish family. His parents don't want to return to Judaism themselves, but are pleased Pawel has embraced the once-hidden family history. [cbs]
