Like many Polish immigrants, I have a deep fondness for Polish bread. Each time I move to a new location, my first mission is to find stores that carry rye bread. There’s nothing quite like a fresh, warm loaf of rye bread. American wheat bread often feels bland, lacking flavor and filled with unnecessary additives. Polish rye bread, by contrast, is made simply from whole rye flour and water, offering an incredible taste and maintaining its freshness for many days.

After years living in Seattle, I have yet to find good rye bread, which led me to start baking it myself. In this issue, I will share a recipe and some stories about Polish rye sourdough bread. If you have a better recipe or know a place that makes and sells quality bread, please let us know.

GiveBIG 2025 concluded yesterday, but the website is still accepting donations. If you missed the event, you can still show your support and appreciation. This year’s fundraiser exceeded our wildest expectations, reaching 98% of our goal. Amazing! We are humbled by and grateful for your generosity. Thank you so much!

GiveBIG 2025 culminates on May 6-7. So far the response from our subscribers was phenomenal and we’ve already reached 30% of our goal. Thank you so much.

May 1st, 2nd and 3rd are big holidays in Poland. More about the history of these holidays below.

PS: don’t forget to register for the presidential elections before May 13. You can do it online at https://ewybory.msz.gov.pl

The tradition of the May holiday is a beautiful example of how old customs and modern customs can interpenetrate and complement each other. The celebration of May is a great opportunity to celebrate spring, work, family and friendship. It is worth cultivating this tradition and enjoying it, remembering its deep meaning and historical roots. We have more about this tradition below.

May is the month of the GiveBIG fundraiser, the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about this year’s fundraisers and causes organized by the Seattle Polish Foundation.

We, the Seattle Polish News volunteers, also ask for your help. A one-dollar donation from each subscriber would cover our annual costs. If you enjoy this newsletter, please show your support.

Easter is coming this weekend, and we have prepared a special Easter edition featuring stories about Easter traditions and information about upcoming Easter events.

As every year, the 2025 GiveBIG fundraiser is coming in May. The Seattle Polish Foundation is using this event to raise funds for two vital causes: a Medical & Emergency Fund for our aging community members, and a much-needed Stage and Floor Remodeling Project at the historic Polish Home.

The Seattle Polish Film Festival is seeking donations to help with venue rentals.

Seattle Polish News is encouraging all our subscribers to help cover the cost of using the Mailchimp service.