The Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community invites Litvaks around the world to Vilnius on 23-26 May to visit their ancestral homeland and participate in the Fifth World Litvak Congress.
The four-day Congress programme includes discussions, visits to historical sites and various cultural activities dedicated to the Jewish heritage in Lithuania and the achievements of Litvaks worldwide.
The main highlights of the Congress will be the opening event at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania followed by a concert of the world-famous cantor from the USA, Prof. Joseph Malovany, at the Vilnius Choral Synagogue.
During the evening, the participants of the Congress can attend the concert “A Date with Vilnius”, which will be performed by renowned Lithuanian musicians, who will pay tribute to the memory of the Jewish people who have lived and worked in Lithuania.
Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, has become the official patron of the Fifth World Litvak Congress.
Faina Kukliansky, the Lithuanian Jewish Community President, said that “the World Litvak Congress in Vilnius sends a message to the whole world that Jewishness in Lithuania has more than just a past. These days we invite you to an open conversation about the future of Litvak culture and the importance of passing it on to our children and grandchildren. I am sure that the Lithuanian state is also interested in ensuring that all Litvaks around the world feel at home in their ancestral homeland.”
The culinary heritage has a special place in the Litvak heritage, and on 23-26 May, Beigelių krautuvėlė, located at 4 Pylimo St. in Vilnius, invites the participants of the World Litvak Congress, all the citizens of Vilnius and the guests of the city to come and taste the exceptional Litvak dishes.
“I am convinced that many visitors will be surprised by the close links between the historical cuisines of Litvaks and Lithuanians. It shows once again that for centuries we have lived and built our lives side by side. After all, by interacting and sharing food and recipes, we create close and sincere ties between communities that cannot be denied,” said Faina Kukliansky.
