Jewish Novogrudok Photo credit: The Together Plan
Unveiling the hidden stories and historical treasures of Belarusian Jewish heritage, with the support of the AEPJ, the Jewish Heritage Network and Izi Travel, as part of our work to build a Jewish cultural heritage route in Belarus, we are now introducing our audio tours of Jewish Belarus initiative. To date, we have produced 5 audio tours in English and Russian which will shortly also be available in French, German and Italian.
These immersive tours take visitors on a captivating journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of Jewish history, culture, and legacy in these significant Belarusian cities and there are more tours in development.
Bielski Partisans: Lt. Yehuda Bielski (seated second row, right). Photo Credit: Museum of Jewish Resistance, Novogroduk, Belarus
The tours offer a unique and enriching experience for travellers seeking to connect with the vibrant past of Belarusian Jewry and they can be enjoyed by in-person travellers and virtual travellers alike.
- Jewish Streets of Minsk – invites visitors to explore the capital city’s Jewish heritage. The tour unveils the layers of Jewish history embedded in the city’s architecture and streets. Through personal stories, historical anecdotes, and expert commentary, visitors gain insights into the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Minsk and the lasting impact of their contributions.
- Jewish Streets of Polotsk – takes travellers back in time to uncover the ancient Jewish roots of this historic city. Known as one of the oldest towns in Belarus, Polotsk has a rich Jewish heritage dating back centuries. The tour provides a window into the lives of the Jewish communities that shaped the city’s identity.
- Novogrudok, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, offers visitors a glimpse into a town steeped in Jewish history and folklore. The three new Novogroduk audio tours invite travellers to explore the sites that played significant roles in Belarusian Jewish heritage and by delving into the local legends and historical events, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural tapestry that once thrived in this town.
- Jewish Novogroduk click here
- Jewish Resistance Museum click here
- Places of Remembrance in Novogroduk click here
- All of the tours are designed to be self-guided, allowing travellers to explore at their own pace. Beyond the immersive experience, our audio tours aim to foster connection, both between visitors and the Belarusian Jewish heritage and within the local communities. By sharing personal stories, historical context, and insights into the present-day efforts to revive and preserve Jewish heritage, the tours encourage dialogue and understanding. They also contribute to the ongoing preservation and celebration of Belarusian Jewish history, ensuring that these stories are not lost to time.
Places of rememrance in Novogrudok
Photo credit: The Together Plan
Our work to build a Jewish Cultural Heritage Route in Belarus is a community led project as we engage people in Belarus in our heritage clubs. In this way, a growing number of people in the country, both Jewish and non-Jewish, are showing an interest in this hidden history. As we continue to build our library of audio tours we invite people both in Belarus and from around the world to delve into the fascinating tapestry of Belarusian Jewish heritage. By engaging in the stories, landmarks, and rich history of these cities, these tours foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Jewish communities that once thrived there. The audio format provides flexibility and accessibility, allowing travellers virtual and in person, to embark on these captivating journeys at their convenience. Through these initiatives, we are preserving the legacy of Belarusian Jewry, connecting visitors with the vibrant past that continues to shape the present, and we are stimulating new community growth within Belarus and that is very exciting indeed.
Jewish Novogrudok
Photo credit: The Together Plan
We invite you to take one of our tours from wherever you are in the world and please do leave us a review.