BERLIN, Germany — As Jewish communities the world over took note of the 70th anniversary of the Nazi-coordinated pogroms known as Kristallnacht, a common thread throughout the commemorations was the special pride Holocaust survivors take in the signs of flourishing Jewish life throughout Germany.
New Berlin Yeshiva a Sign of the Times as Jewish Community Expands
BERLIN, Germany — As Jewish communities the world over took note of the 70th anniversary of the Nazi-coordinated pogroms known as Kristallnacht, a common thread throughout the commemorations was the special pride Holocaust survivors take in the signs of flourishing Jewish life throughout Germany.
There is a unique poignancy to seeing those signs in, of all cities, Berlin, a capital referred to by at least one survivor as “the heart of darkness.” Jewish life there has not only grown, but thrived: In the last year, more than 2,000 people – including Mayor Klaus Wowereit – attended a menorah lighting at the Brandenberg Gate coordinated by Chabad-Lubavitch of Berlin, while a slate of VIPs and notables turned out to celebrate the grand opening of the Szloma Albam House and Rohr Chabad Center. Today, locals are marking another milestone in the opening of the first Chabad-Lubavitch yeshiva in Western Europe for Jewish youth who did not grow up in traditional homes.
“My grandfather is a survivor, and when we first told him that we’d be going to Berlin as emissaries, he was apprehensive,” recalls Rabbi Yehuda Tiechtel, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Berlin. “Then he thought about it and he said, ‘You should go. This is the best and strongest message to send: that Jewish life will once again flourish there.’
“Our answer to darkness is to increase light,” he added.
Tora Kolleg – it’s pronounced “Torah college” – opened in September at the Rohr Chabad Center, a grand structure that houses a synagogue, restaurant, student and education center, library, Jewish ritual bath and Judaica shop. The yeshiva offers students the chance immerse themselves in a comprehensive study of Jewish texts while completing their secular degrees. Those still in high school can elect to complete their general studies requirement through an affiliated school, while those in university can supplement their secular course load with classes in Torah, Talmud, Jewish law and Jewish mysticism
