Bogdan’s Journey tells a powerful story about forgiveness and healing in Kielce, Poland. It follows Bogdan Bialek, a non-Jewish leader who became a pivotal figure in transforming his community. Through his journey, we see a town grappling with its past, striving for reconciliation and understanding.

Teshuvah: A Path to Forgiveness

The documentary takes us on a transformative journey of “teshuvah” (Hebrew for repentance and redemption) as the community of Kielce undertakes an extraordinary path toward forgiveness and healing. It is a testament to the power of human kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Interpreting Ancient Texts: Midrashic Insights

One compelling narrative in ancient texts is Abraham’s negotiation with G-d to save Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities, often seen as symbols of evil, raise ethical questions that resonate today. The film offers a fresh interpretation of these themes, prompting viewers to reflect on their significance.

Jewish literature, especially midrash, sheds light on the transgressions of Sodom and Gomorrah. A performance from Tablet magazine beautifully illustrates the ethical dilemmas in the biblical account. While God often sees the potential for rescue elsewhere, Sodom and Gomorrah represent a place deemed irredeemable.

“In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah — recounted in the Torah in Parshat Vayera, read this Shabbat — the Bible addresses the question of ethics head-on. These towns represent a human society so thoroughly corrupt that it is beyond the possibility of repair.”

Ezekiel warns Judah about the sins of these cities, pointing to arrogance and neglect of the poor. Ancient rabbis expanded on this in midrash, such as Genesis Rabbah.

“Only this was the sin of your sister Sodom: arrogance! She and her daughters had plenty of bread and untroubled tranquility, yet she did not support the poor and the needy.”

(Ezekiel 16:49)

One midrash tells of a young woman punished for her compassion in helping a starving neighbour, highlighting a twisted justice system where kindness was met with severe consequences.

When she saw her friend’s distress, she said, “Why is your face so sickly?” Her friend replied, “Our food is all gone, and we are about to die.” The first girl filled her pitcher with flour, and each took what the other had. When the people of Sodom learned of this, they burned her alive.

The Holy Blessed One declared, “Even if I wanted to keep silent, the judgment in the young girl’s case does not permit me to keep silent.”

This story resonates today, reminding us of the dangers faced by those who show compassion in oppressive regimes.

Healing and Reconciliation in Bogdan’s Journey

Bogdan’s Journey presents a narrative of healing in the wake of the tragic events involving Jews in Poland in 1946. Despite widespread denial in Kielce, Bogdan leads a campaign to confront this painful history. His efforts illustrate that a community can embrace repentance and evolve into a compassionate and self-aware entity.

I highly recommend watching Bogdan’s Journey for those connected to the Shoah or similar collective traumas. Screenings can be arranged through its website for both institutional and private audiences.

After a recent screening, I had the chance to connect with Bogdan over dinner in Tel Aviv. Sharing this blog with him was a moving experience, and he graciously allowed me to include his thoughts:

“Dear Abigail,

Thank you very much for your beautiful and touching text on your blog. If you agree, I would like to use it on the Jan Karski Society site. The meeting in Sherman Oaks was fascinating. For the first time, I was in a great home and thus an excellent company. I hope that we will have other possibilities to meet each other. Of course, if you will be in Poland, remember about my warmest invitation to Kielce. I will try to buy a book which you recommend.

Best regards,

Bogdan”