It might seem odd to some re the interest, even the embrace of Jewish culture in Jewish-extinguished Central Europe or--as one commentator writes--the fondness in the United States for American Native Indian culture.

At the same time, we could ask the question whether the supposedly objective critical perspective on these particular forms of identification is really so detached? Is not the focus, pivoting around issues of justification and sincerity, not an assumption based on the idea of "ownership" of one or another particular identity? Also, why is identification with Latin American culture-- quite prevalent in the West-- seemingly less open to criticism than these issues? In other words, when is the assimilation of culture truly either legitimate or illegitimate? Or is culture, in fact, universal?

I should have added this. The Kaz. festival is only one facet of (mostly young) Poles et. al. attempts to reimagine Polish Jewry. My sense is that many of the more profound such engagements are happening outside of Krakow.

I understand one is supposed to have a "nuanced" response to this phenomenon.

To me, all this is pretty much the same as the way so many Anglo Americans get heavily (and sincerely) into Native American culture. In one respect, it is moving and sincere. In another respect, it is pathetic.

Gilgul? To me, more like Custer doing the Ghost Dance.

Your piece transported me and in such a brief time, it touched upon the complex aspects of this festival.
Thank you once again for opening all of my senses to a new experience.

Anyone who wants to learn more about this phenomenon in the context of Europe (and particularly east-central Europe) as a whole will find my book, "Virtually Jewish: Reinventing Jewish Culture in Europe," published in 2002 by University of California Press, to be of interest.

The Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow was founded in 1988 -- so it's been going on for 20 years. It is one of many, many festivals and other Jewish cultural events in European countries where few if any Jews live today.

The "Please Respond" project that Stephanie and Erica and Hannah put together was an extremely valuable contribution to understanding how this phenomenon is evolving -- because it IS evolving, and will continue to do so.

I just wanted to express my "thanks" to you guys for producing this story. THANK YOU!