The Jewish diaspora of the city of Szczebrzeszyn. An echo of identity in an enigmatic cultural macrostructure

Abstract

The article presents the dynamics of the Jewish community in the multicultural town of Szczebrzeszyn, located in the southwestern part of the Lublin Province. Judaism was analyzed by showing its significance, putting local identity in a historical context. Particular attention was paid to the importance of the Jewish religion in defining the cultural identity of the town, while also considering the influence and relationships between other religions. The research was based on a review of literature, documentation, and analysis of social perceptions, showing the history of the Jewish community from the 15th century onwards. The conclusions point to the important role of Jewish culture in understanding the preservation of local traditions by the inhabitants of Szczebrzeszyn. The article draws attention to the complex influence of Jewish culture and the importance of interreligious dialogue, as well as the protection of cultural heritage.