First Jewish Service in Friedrichsstadt Since 1937 (A photo essay)

~ slfuchs

I want to express deep gratitude to the Stadtarchiv Friedrichsstadt/ Museum and its Director, Christiane Thomsen for their gracious welcome.

The sign outside the old synagogue does not say that the home was used as the home for Nazi officer in 1941. What a joy not to only to reclaim it as a cultural center but as a synagogue for Jewish worship on Shabbat Eve November 6, 2015.

Sign outside the Synagogue: It says: Former Synagogue of Friedrichsstadt Built in 1847 Destroyed by the Nazis in 1938 Used as a Private Home in 1941 Rettsored to the Jewish Community in 2002 Now used as a Cultural Center
Sign outside the Synagogue:
It says:
Former Synagogue of Friedrichsstadt
Built in 1847
Destroyed by the Nazis in 1938
Used as a Private Home in 1941
Rettsored to the Jewish Community in 2002
Now used as a Cultural Center

Poster announcing the service: Many thanks to Horst and Rita Blunk and Dr. Keren-Miriam Foerst-Haedicke for making this event possible

Announcement of this historic event
Announcement of this historic event

Scenes from the service

Welcoming the crowd of 70 Jews and non Jews to the service. A Catholic priest and Lutheran pastor were among the worshippers.
Welcoming the crowd of 70 Jews and non Jews to the service. A Catholic priest and Lutheran pastor were among the worshippers.
Explaining the Torah portion. We read from a replica Torah scroll held up for the reading by Rita and Horst Blunk.
Explaining the Torah portion. We read from a replica Torah scroll held up for the reading by Rita and Horst Blunk.
Drasha (sermon) relating Abraham's need in the Torah portion to keep the Covenant with God alive by choosing just the right wife (Rebecca) for Isaac to our need to keep the Covenant alive as we replant the seeds of Jewish religious life in the New Germany.
Drasha (sermon) relating Abraham’s need in the Torah portion to keep the Covenant with God alive by choosing just the right wife (Rebecca) for Isaac to our need to keep the Covenant alive as we replant the seeds of Jewish religious life in the New Germany.
Many thanks to Ewe Urich for translating all of the English I spoke during the service and the sermon into German
Many thanks to Ewe Ehrich for translating all of the English I spoke during the service and the sermon into German.
Gratefully receiving tokens of appreciation presented by Frau Thomsen from the Stadtarchiv Friedrichsstadt at the Oneg Shabbat following the service.
Gratefully receiving tokens of appreciation presented by Frau Thomsen from the Stadtarchiv Friedrichsstadt at the Oneg Shabbat following the service.

I am grateful to the Eternal One for granting me the privilege of leading this historic service. May Progressive Judaism in Germany continue to gain strength so that we may fulfil the promise God made to Abraham, “And all the nations of the earth will find blessing through you.” (Genesis 12:3)

Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs

Shabbat Chaye Sarah 5776

Published by slfuchs

Loving husband, father, grandfather and rabbi. Author of, "What's in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” "ToraHighlights,” “Why the Kof?,” “Why Triple Chai?,” "Who Created God?," and "...And Often the First Jew." On October 17, 2017, Rabbi Fuchs was selected as the recipient of the Vanderbilt Divinity School's Distinguished Alumnus Award. To be considered for this award, one must demonstrate excellence and distinction in justice-making through their efforts in congregational ministry, religious institutions, non-denominational/all-inclusive organizations, community–based organizations, government, or other social institutions. Spent last four falls serving in Milan, Italy, (2013) and Germany (2014-2016). Otherwise, he enjoy writing and speaking after serving three congregations and as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is currently serving as Rabbi of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Sanibel, Florida.

8 thoughts on “First Jewish Service in Friedrichsstadt Since 1937 (A photo essay)”

  1. Pingback: First Jewish Service in Friedrichsstadt Since 1937 (A photo essay) | Finding Ourselves In Biblical Narratives

  7. Thank you for sharing this with me, Stephen. What an amazing evening it must have been! Blessings to you, friend, and all those whose lives you touch.

    With thanksgiving blessings,
    Dani

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  8. Thank you, Dani! Yes, it was an amazing evening. Of course it is a reminder of the glory that once was German Judaism that has been shattered. But as we now the longest journey must begin with single small steps. I pray for many more steps to be taken that will be accompanied as this one was by the good will of the community at large!

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