Welcome to the Greenspan L'Dor V'Dor Legacy Program!

This unique study and volunteer experience has been developed by JewishGen, Friends of Jewish Heritage in Poland, and The Matzevah Foundation. It is done in cooperation with our partners at FODŻ (the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland), and the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw.

Note: We reserve the right at any time to exclude from the trip any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the larger group.

Travel FAQ's

What is the application process to apply to be part of this group?

The first step is to request an application. You then have until February 16th. 2025 at 11:59 PM ET to submit it to JewishGen for consideration. For those applicants who meet our criterion, we will set up a phone or Zoom interview time with you. This call would be 30-60 minutes in length and is meant to provide us a chance to get to know you better.  It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask more about the project, about JewishGen, Friends of Jewish Heritage in Poland, The Matzevah Foundation, and our work in Poland. The call will be conducted by a project leader and may include additional travel leaders.

After the interview process, the trip organizers will then determine whether the volunteer is a good fit for the project.

What is the cost of the trip?

The cost of the trip for students is $550, to be paid upon acceptance and commitment to the program. This is non-refundable. All other expenses will be completely covered by JewishGen (including r/t travel from NY, transportation in Poland, meals, lodging, materials, etc.). 

Is there travel insurance available?

We do not offer travel insurance.  However, we require travel insurance to be purchased by each participant. Some popular insurance companies to purchase from are:

• AIG Travel Guard
• Allianz Global Assistance
• Travelex

Who makes the travel arrangements for flights and in-country transportation?

JewishGen will arrange and pay the costs of all round-trip flights between New York and Warsaw. We will arrange in-Poland transportation and lodging during the time of the project.

Will dietary laws be observed?

Kosher food will be provided through caterers under authoritative rabbinical supervision, and with supplementary snacks and drinks provided during the trip.

What are the expectations for work in the cemetery?

Tasks in the cemetery often consist of clearing brush, grass, small trees, and other vegetation. Heavy lifting is sometimes involved, though not required for all participants. Each participant is encouraged to work to their maximum personal capacity, but not to exceed that. Our goal is to clean the cemeteries, not to add to their occupancy! There may also be opportunities for the use of equipment such as loppers, weed eaters, and hedge trimmers. 

All levels of strength and expertise are needed.  Our best teams consist of people who arrive with a willing heart and flexible spirit to help accomplish whatever task we might have to do.  Some of our most effective work comes from visiting with local citizens as well as using equipment to clear brush or collecting broken matzevah (headstone) fragments.

Scroll through these pictures to get a look at the different type of work we do during a cemetery restoration project. 

Who is an ideal candidate to be part of this JewishGen program?

We seek to inspire and begin the training of future generations of leaders in Jewish genealogical involvement. Those who are best able to appreciate and make use of this opportunity are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must be enrolled full-time as rising 2nd-4th year students in accredited colleges or universities.

What type of lodging is there during a project?

We plan to stay in a variety of dormitories and2, 3 and 4 star hotels throughout. Students will typically share a room with at least one other member of the trip.

What skills are required to participate?

A willing heart and a flexible spirit are a must!  We do require participant-volunteers to be in good health.

Cemetery restoration projects include physical tasks such as a lot of walking, dragging and carrying cut branches, brush, and small trees, using equipment such as hand shears, loppers, rakes.  Those who are able and have experience with, can use heavier tools such as bush hogs and string trimmers.

This work is hard at times and you will be tired at the end of each day, but you will feel a gratifying sense of accomplishment, too!

Is a passport or visa required?

A passport is required for travel to Poland.  Please check with your home country to see if any additional documentation is needed.  For US residents, only a passport is required.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Students over the age of 18, and and enrolled full-time as rising 2nd-4th year students in accredited colleges or universities, are welcome to apply.

What about other questions?

These FAQ's apply to individual volunteer applicants.  For more information, please email <futurescholars@jewishgen.org>.