Jews in Germany

We Jews are a resilient people.  We have been subject to extreme discrimination and hatred throughout our history – from Pharaoh in Egypt to the Babylonian exile; from the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Greeks, to the final destruction by the Romans; from the expulsion in Spain to the pogroms in Eastern Europe; and most vividly, the horrors of the Holocaust. It is a miracle that we are still here, and heartening to know that those societies who found joy in preaching and perpetrating violence, no longer exist.  What has kept us going all these millennia?  Judaism has always taught the value of life and the importance of reaching out and caring for others.  The Torah is filled with commandments insisting that we welcome the stranger, leave food for those who are hungry, pursue justice, and treat others fairly.  It is these values and teachings that Jews held so precious, that they were willing to sacrifice their lives to preserve.  Judaism also instills in us a sense of hope, that no matter how bad things seem, there is always hope for the future.  Things can always change.

Several years ago, my husband Steve had to travel to Germany for business. There was a meeting there in September and he was going to be there during Yom Kippur.  As he was sharing his concerns one night at Temple, Dr. Joseph Lauterstein informed him that he had a cousin, Gabor Lengyel, a rabbinic student, who lived in Germany.  Through this connection Steve found a place to go for Yom Kippur.  Gabor and his wife, Aniko, and their congregation in Germany welcomed Steve with open arms.  Steve spent the holiday with them.  As he reflected on his trip, Steve was surprised at how different his expectations were of the reality.  It is not the Germany of the 1940’s.  Many Jews have once again, made Germany their home.

Gabor Lengyel is now Rabbi Lengyel. He was ordained at the Abraham Geiger college, Germany's Progressive rabbinic seminary, this past year. On Friday, July 10th, 2009 we will have the honor of Rabbi Lengyel's presence at Temple Sholom. He will join me on the Bima for services and talk about his experiences being a rabbi in Germany. Join us for this special occasion.

Rabbi Michele Brand Medwin.

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL SHABBAT

Rabbi Gabor Lengyel will speak on “JEWS IN GERMANY TODAY”

Friday, July 10th, 2009

7:30 p.m.

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