History and Heritage – the legacy of the Jews in Prague and Kolín

Join Our 2025 Journey!

Embark on a deeply meaningful trip to the Czech Republic as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the return of the Jews to Kolín after the Holocaust. Explore the rich heritage and enduring legacy of Jewish life in the Czech Republic. This trip is perfect for first-time visitors and returning participants alike, blending historical exploration with moments of reflection, celebration, and connection to contemporary Jewish life.

Choose among two options:

Kolin (with Rabbi Dr Andrew and Sharon Goldstein) – with Třeboň extension option

29 May – Kolin

Fly to Prague and travel to Kolin, check into Hotel in Kolin (Rabbi Andrew and Sharon will be staying at Hotel Theresia – please book with the hotel directly)

30 May – Kolín (about 30min from Prague)

Delve into the poignant history of Kolín’s Jewish community and visit the special exhibition at the museum.
Visit significant sites such as: the school deportation point
the Old and New Cemetery with its Shoah memorial
the Rabbi’s House under restoration
Celebrate Shabbat with services in the synagogue and dinner in Kolín.

31 May – Kolin

Shabbat morning services in the synagogue in Kolín
Explore the Stolpersteine Trail
Dinner and Havdalah in Kolin

1 June – Prague

Transfer from Kolin to Prague for those wanting to join the Třeboň extension
Check into hotel (please book directly)
Celebrate Shavuot with services and Tikkun Leyl Shavuot led by Rabbi David Maxa at the Ec Chayim Progressive congregation.

Optional extension: 2 June – Třeboň (about 2h from Prague)

Enjoy a day trip to Třeboň, home of our first Czech Torah
Hold a special Shavuot service by the serene carp ponds
Visit to the Jewish cemetery and synagogue.

Theresienstadt, Kolín and Prague (with Rabbi Lea Mühlstein) – with Třeboň extension option

28 May – Prague

Arrive and check into hotel in Prague (Rabbi Lea will be staying at The Cloud One Prague but you can chose any hotel in the area)

29 May – Theresienstadt (about 1h from Prague)

Depart from Prague for a day visit to Theresienstadt
Learn about the fate of Czech Jewry during the Holocaust
Visit to key sights in Theresienstadt, incl.:Small fortress, Ghetto Museum, Magdeburg Barracks
Prayer room and replica of “mansard”, Exhibition spaces
Crematorium and Jewish cemetery
Return to Prague for a free evening, with the option to attend a concert: Hallelujah at The Spanish Synagogue

30 May – Kolín (about 30min from Prague)

Depart at 8am from Prague Station
Delve into the poignant history of Kolín’s Jewish community and visit the special exhibition at the museum.
Visit significant sites such as: the school deportation point
the Old and New Cemetery with its Shoah memorial
the Rabbi’s House under restoration
the Stolpersteine trail.
Celebrate Shabbat with services in the synagogue and dinner in Kolín.
Return to Prague Station.

31 May – Prague

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Prague’s many highlights: such as, Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, Powder Tower, Wenceslas Square, etc
End the day with dinner and Havdalah in Prague

1 June – Prague

Discover the rich heritage of Czech Jewry through an exploration of Prague’s Jewish Quarter.
Celebrate Shavuot with services and Tikkun Leyl Shavuot led by Rabbi David Maxa at the Ec Chayim Progressive congregation.

Optional extension: 2 June – Třeboň (about 2h from Prague)

Enjoy a day trip to Třeboň, home of our first Czech Torah
Hold a special Shavuot service by the serene carp ponds
Visit to the Jewish cemetery and synagogue.

Practical Details:

– Travelers book their own flights and hotels (choose to stay in Kolin or Prague). Contact Rabbi Lea if you have questions about hotels and flights.
– The cost of local transport and activities (not including meals) will be approx. £50 per person per day of programming.

Reserve your place today—complete the booking form even if you have already told Rabbi Lea and Andrew that you will join us.

Join us for a journey through history, reflection, and celebration, and connect with the remarkable legacy of Jewish life in the Czech Republic.