JEWISH VOICE FROM

Special Report on 2017 Living Traditions and Lasting Visions The green heart of Germany invites you to explore its cultural treasures Neumann, Papenfuss / Atelier für Gestaltung / Atelier Neumann, Papenfuss Barbara / TSK ung Weimar, Ō

Ɵ , Samuel Zuder / Thüringer Tourismus GmbH, Stefan Kranz , Alexander Burzik / Klassik S , Alexander Kranz Stefan GmbH, Tourismus Samuel Zuder / Thüringer , Ō Gesellscha u. Digitale Ō Wissenscha Ō Thüringer Ministerium f. Wirtscha f. Ministerium Thüringer

furt Treasure, which dates back port of the state of Thuringia, – deserves its place at the top CONTENTS to the 13th and 14th centuries. the state capital of is of the list of everyone inter- The Erfurt Treasure comprises applying for recognition as a ested in European culture and more than 4,000 items, includ- UNESCO World Heritage site. history. This year marks the ing silver coins, tableware and These eff orts are accompanied 500th anniversary of the Refor- jewelry. The most important by many other activities that mation and the year in which object is a Jewish wedding ring make Thuringia one of the most made his 95 the- from the early 14th century; important and exciting destina- ses known in Wittenberg. 2019 Brotherhood in 2015, a replica was given to tions for everyone interested in will mark the 100th birthday of Erfurt’s Achava Festival the Beit Hatfutsot Museum in Jewish culture and history. For the Bauhaus movement, which PAGE IV Tel Aviv. The Erfurt Treasure example, Weimar’s University was founded in Weimar and was discovered in 1998 dur- of Music has a chair dedicated went on to become what is ar- ing archaeological excavations to the history of Jewish music, guably the most infl uential art and has since been displayed while a research center at the and design school in the world. in New York, Paris, London University of Erfurt is dedicated This, too, will be celebrated in among other locations. In 2009, to the study of religious practic- Thuringia in grand style. it was installed in a permanent es and rituals. On the cultural From the Bauhaus movement, display in the Old . side, the spectrum ranges from to the Reformation and Jew- Bauhaush ish culture, Thuringia off ers a Cradle of modernity Ladies and Gentlemen, wealth of history and culture PAGE VI Dear Readers, to explore. We would like to extend our warmest invitation Thuringia has a rich Jew- to visit Thuringia and enjoy our ish heritage whose origins date “Thuringia is brimming with famous hospitality. There is no back to the 11th century. Particu- other place in Germany or Eu- larly in Erfurt’s historic district, discoveries – come take a look rope where you will be able to much of which remains intact, fi nd this unique combination of Prime Minister Ramelow many architectural and cul- nature and culture, relaxation Embracing responsibility tural traces bear witness to the Taken together, these wit- the Achava Festival in Erfurt to and excitement, as you will here. city’s fi rst Jewish community, nesses off er a unique glimpse the annual Days of Jewish-Israe- Thuringia is brimming with dis- PAGE VIII which fl ourished there until the into Jewish daily life and com- li Culture, in which 17 cities in coveries – come take a look at 14th century. munal existence as well as the Thuringia will be participating www.visit-thuringia.com These include the Old Syna- coexistence of Jewish and Chris- this year. gogue – one of the oldest, larg- tian life in medieval European But even beyond its impor- est and best-preserved medi- towns – with a wealth of detail tant Jewish heritage, Thuringia With warmest regards, eval , which also and an intensity that is virtually – the birthplace of the Refor- Wolfgang Tiefensee has a – as well as a large unmatched elsewhere. In Erfurt mation and of the Bauhaus Treasure number of material relics such we can retrace the blossoming movement, the home of Wei- Thuringian Minister for Medieval findingsgs as gravestones, manuscripts, of Central European Jewish cul- mar Classicism and the birth- Economic Aff airs, Science PAGE VIII and of course the unique Er- ture. That is why with the sup- place of Johann Sebastian Bach and Digital Society II | LEGACY SUPPLEMENT | 2017

THEN AND NOW Traces of Jewish Life in Thuringia Embracing a rich tradition immigrants today secure the community’s future

By Hartmut Bomhoff founded in 1856 by Löb and Moses Sim- son in the city of Suhl. In the beginning, bout 600 years ago, Hillel of a steel hammer formed the basis of the Erfurt, a Talmudic authority, company which would become known left for Palestine to spend the as a manufacturer of weapons and ve- remainder of his life in the hicles – mainly for the Prussian Army. HolyA Land, thus fulfi lling a vow he had From 1896 onwards, Simson expanded made. When he had reached Vienna, its product line into the civilian sector he was seized by a longing to return to and built its fi rst bicycles. Simson soon Thuringia because he was convinced that became one of the largest bicycle manu- the Talmudical school of Erfurt would facturers in Germany. After World War suff er through his absence. He then I and the Treaty of Versailles, the factory turned to the rabbis of Vienna who ab- was one of the few armaments plants in solved him on the grounds that he had a Germany permitted to continue opera- greater task to perform in spreading To- tion. With over 4,000 workers, Simson rah to the Jews of Erfurt. produced small arms, automobiles – in- Jewish merchants have been recorded cluding the Simson Supra racing car – in this part of Central Germany as ear- and other metal goods. In 1935, the fac- ly as the 10th century. The presence of tory was “Aryanized” in a particularly Jews in Erfurt has also been document- aggressive and public way. The owners ed during the 12th century. During the were arrested and fi rst escaped to Swit- Middle Ages, Thuringia produced many zerland and later to the United States. scholars who contributed signifi cantly Today, Simson vehicles are collector’s to Jewish learning. The majority of Jews items, but hardly anybody knows about lived in free cities, which did not recog- the company's Jewish past. nize the authority of the landgrave. After Another example is the success story the Black Death pogrom, Erfurt became of Hermann Tietz, a merchant in , again the largest Jewish community at a textile center in Thuringia. A Jewish that time in Germany. At the end of the community was formally founded in 14th century, Erfurt’s Jewry called four or 1885, and in 1895, there were 90 Jews in fi ve synagogues their own, as well as four Gera engaged mostly in commerce. Her- ritual slaughterhouses. However, in 1458, mann Tietz and his nephew Oskar Ti- they were expelled from Erfurt, and in etz, who came to Gera in 1882, were the 1536, landgrave John Frederick the Brave, founders of Hertie, a department store a fervent supporter of the Reformation, chain with stores all over Germany. ordered the total expulsion of Jews. An act which was enforced in 1559. Towards destruction

The landgraviate of Thuringia subse- für Gestaltung / Atelier Papenfuss quently experienced a period of disin- The Old Synagogue of Erfurt In Erfurt, Jewish entrepreneurs be- tegration and was divided into a large longed to the city’s establishment, number of minor duchies and princi- and Walldorf, the Jews are very fervent the development of Mühlhausen as they among them shoe manufacturer Alfred palities. While prohibited from living in their religious devotions!” were one of the largest employers in town. Hess, who made many generous dona- in cities, as of the latter half of the 17th It was not until the fi rst decades of the Today, the Jewish community of Erfurt is tions of Expressionist paintings to the century, Jews were allowed to settle on 19th century, that Jews in the four duch- responsible for the two restored historic Angermuseum, fi nancier Wilhelm Moos the estates of the nobility, with a few ies received charters, with the communi- synagogues but doesn’t own the Aschen- as well as horticulturalist Ernst Benary. rich court Jews granted protection by ty of Saxe-Meiningen becoming the larg- hausen synagogue. The fi rst two are used “We bring beauty to the world” was the est one. In the early 1800s, Jews occasionally for worship, a concert, or slogan of the seed and breeding compa- were permittted to live in Erfurt other events, but are mostly maintained ny, founded in 1843 by Benary in Erfurt. again, which then had become and kept open to the public by volunteers. It quickly became a household name in Prussian. A new synagogue was 150 years ago, in December 1867, the horticulture and counted Gregor Mendel built in 1840, and eventually a “Israelite Community of Eisenach” was among its prominent customers. Under larger one was built to replace it. The opulent domed struc- ture of this Great Synagogue with seating for 500 stood un- til 1938, when it was destroyed in the Kristallnacht pogrom on Neither Hitler nor Stalin should November 9. “ During the 19th century, nu- have the last word. That s why merous new synagogues and ’ Jewish schools were built in small towns and villages, for I’m committed to help build a example in 1842 in Mühlhau- sen, followed by Aschenhausen dynamic Jewish life in 1843, and Berkach in 1854. In 1938, the latter, together with

Reinhard Schramm / Thüringer Tourismus GmbH Tourismus / Thüringer Schramm Reinhard the neighboring school building, founded – which by 1904 reached a Nazi rule, many members of the Benary Community president Reinhard Schramm was spared from arson by inter- membership of 422. By 1869 the last re- family who had converted to Christian- vention through local residents. strictions were cleared and Jews moved ity, signed up for the German army to the various princes. In consequence, In the following year, the buildings were back into the cities of Thuringia, gain- avoid anti-Semitic persecution. Today, Jewish life in the “green heart of Germa- sold to the municipality. Renovated in the ing their much wanted and scarcely Benary is an independent family busi- ny” became more rural, with peddling 1990s, the synagogue of the small city of contested recognition and equality. ness in its sixth generation and operates and cattle trade as the main source Mühlhausen is now a listed monument However, a signifi cant decline in the three breeding facilities in the United of income. and serves as a cultural center. Jewish population was caused by anti- States, the Netherlands, and Germany. In 1783, German national poet Fried- Semitism in the countryside which en- Their core business is the development rich Schiller gave an account of Jewish Rapid growth couraged Jewish emigration. and distribution of fl ower varieties for life in the countryside. Staying at the In the second half of the 19th century, the professional bedding plant market. Bauerbach estate near Meiningen, he Another Jewish site nearby is the man- Thuringia’s economy saw a period of After World War I, the many principal- remarked, “I’m just annoyed that so ma- sion of the Oppé brothers on Lindenbühl, rapid growth. An example for innovative ities were amalgamated into one state, ny Christians make so little out of their a street near the center of town. These Jewish entrepreneurship is the story of Thuringia, with a Jewish population of religion, while, as I see in Bauerbach industrialists had a decisive infl uence on the Simson brothers. Simson & Co. was about 3,600. On June 23, 1930, the Jew- 2017 | SUPPLEMENT LEGACY | III

Non-Jewish pupils get immersed in the history of Erfurt’s Old Synagogue Stefan Kranz Stefan

ish Telegraphic Agency reported: “Jew- ish visitors to the summer resorts of Thuringia are urged to disregard the warnings and threats of the anti-Semit- Our congregation is a community of a shared destiny ic National Socialists against coming to “ Thuringia this summer in a published ap- peal by the Thuringian Tourists’ Union, with a growing sense of religiosity, and we are in the hotel proprietors, and owners of health resorts. A member of the anti-Semitic process of creating a spiritual home for both the non- National Socialist party, Fritz Sauckel, recently declared in the Thuringian par- Orthodox majority and the Orthodox minority liament that the Jews are not wanted at Thuringia’s summer resorts. The appeal points out that Jews are never molested victims. Former Nazis, unless they were gious service, youth, and social work) is In March 1947, the city council of Er- in Thuringia.” Nevertheless, Thuringia particularly prominent, have the same satisfactory. In normal times, Erfurt had furt granted a request for the restitution fell under Nazi rule even before Hit- opportunities as the Jews whom they 600 members; of these, only six are left. of the site on which the Great Syna- ler’s appointment as chancellor, with wanted to exterminate. The members of All the others have come, nearly with- gogue had stood until 1938. The com- stridently anti-modernist policies re- the Jewish congregations feel themselves out exception, from Breslau, from where munity immediately began planning ceiving considerable public support. In united by their common fate, though they had been evacuated. It is due to the the construction of a new synagogue, 1933, when Adolf Hitler assumed power, there are, of course, also some amongst experience of the former large Breslau the only one to be built in the German Thuringia was home to 4,500 Jews in 37 them who, in the past, were less keen to Community that the Erfurt congrega- Democratic Republic (GDR). However, communities. About 650 Jewish family be considered as Jews. The internal orga- tion could be reorganized. The old tra- shortly after the inauguration of the businesses fell victim to “Aryanization”. nization of the Erfurt Community (reli- dition and culture is being kept alive in New Synagogue in 1952, a decline in As of the summer of 1937, the Buchen-uchen modest religious services without rabbi membership began. In the same year, wald concentration camp near Weimarar or chchazchazzan.” an anti-Semitic show trial against lead- became the epitome of Nazi atrocities,ocities, ing state and party functionaries of Jew- and on May 10, 1942, the fi rst transportnsport TrouTroubleduble new beginnings ish origin took place in Czechoslovakia. with 515 Thuringian Jews departedd frofromm Also, in East Germany, many members the Weimar train station to the BBelzyceelzyce ShShortlyortl after liberation, the Jewish com- of the Jewish community were interro- ghetto near Lublin. During the SShoah,hoah, mmunityunity of Erfurt, a mere handful of 15 gated, detained, or harassed. Jews were the principal Jewish communitiesies ooff people,people re-established itself under the accused of “cosmopolitanism” and de- Thuringia – Altenburg, Aschenhau-nhau- leleadershipader of Max Cars, a survivor of the famed as “agents of the West,” “Zion- sen, Arnstadt, Eisenach, Gotha, and TheresienstadtThher ghetto. Later in 1945, ists” and “traitors” intent on undermin- Meiningen – as well as many rural Jew-Jew- betweenbetw 400 and 1,000 German Jews ing the socialist state. ish settlements were annihilated. – theth data vary − transferred there In 1953, around two thirds of all Jews fromfrom Breslau (meanwhile the Polish living in the GDR fl ed, many of them to A Letter from Thuringia, July 1948 citycity of Wroclaw). By August 1949, the West . The Jewish community in Er- numbernum of affi liated Jews in Thuringia furt survived these troubled times, but the In July 1948, the London-based AsAs-- hadhad shrunk to 130, signifying that on- communities in Eisenach, Gera, and Müh- sociation of Jewish Refugees (AJR)AJR) lyly a few of the survivors identifi ed as lhausen vanished. With the dissolution of published a sobering report on the rereligious,elig or wanted to stay for good. East Germany in 1990, only 26 Jews were situation of their brethren in the SoSo-- OOnene of them was Wolfgang M. Nos- registered with the Jewish community in viet occupied zone: “Altogether therehere ssen,en, who was born in Breslau in 1931. Erfurt. Since 1990, the Erfurt community are 350 Jews living in Thuringia. Com-om- HHowever,ow after the founding of the has had an infl ux of new members, pri- munities exist in Erfurt, Eisenach,ach, JeJewishewi state, he left Erfurt for Israel. marily immigrants from the FSU. In April Jena and Gera. The ‘Landesverbandband IInn 11977, unforeseen circumstances 2013, the ordination of two rabbis and the Jüdischer Gemeinden in Erfurt’ is the lleded him to West Germany, where he investiture of two cantors by the Abra- E. Driesel successor organization of the ddis-is- ssomehowom settled. In November 1989, ham Geiger College marked a milestone solved former communities in thehe tthehe fall of the Berlin Wall opened new in the Jewish revival in Thuringia. Today, district. Most of the employable Jewsws oopportunitiesp for him. After a short the Jewish Community numbers around have found work, by which, underer visitvi to Erfurt, he decided to stay, 800 members of whom about 500 live in prevailing circumstances, they justst andan in 1995, Mr. Nossen was elected the capital. Professor Reinhard Schramm, earn their living. There are, how-w- presidentp of the Jewish Community president of the Jüdische Landesgemeinde ever, many old, sick, and widowedd ofo Thuringia – an offi ce he would since 2012, puts it bluntly: “There would persons, and the communities aree holdh for seventeen years and during be no Jewish community here without the overaged. Religious service and tu-u- whichw he witnessed the consolida- Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union. ition is only provided for in Erfurturt tiontio of Jewish life. However, it was a I hope that the human and fi nancial re- (160 Jews). It is especially depressingssing longlon and bumpy road to accomplish, sources will be made available to build a that the Jews there are treated likeike thehe andand forf many years, the prospects re- children’s and youth center with an inte- defeated majority and not as liberated Gravestone of David, the son of Tsadok (1250) mained poor. grated kindergarten.” ■ IV | CULTURE SUPPLEMENT | 2017

ACHAVA FESTIVAL A Vision Come True Erfurt is a hotspot for connecting diverse traditions and people

The fabulous three sisters of A-Wa-Yemen-Tel Aviv performing in Erfurt Stefan Kranz Stefan

JVG each other with respect and than 30 countries. In Erfurt, the town. Klein and his band will of instruments and the fate of attention,” explains artistic day provides both a platform to introduce the audience to Is- their owners. n 2015, the Hebrew word director Jascha Nemtsov. combat indiff erence and preju- rael’s lively jazz scene. As 2017 also marks the 500th achava (“friendship” or The broad spectrum of topics dice as well as lots of fun and anniversary of the beginning of “brotherhood”) became and events is also refl ected both entertainment in a picturesque Examining the Reformation the Reformation in Germany, the name of a new festi- by the festival’s venues and medieval setting. the “Erfurt Colloquies”, three Ival in Erfurt, ACHAVA-Fest- supporters. The crowds gather Indeed, last year’s festival The exhibition “Music. Resis- panel discussions during the spiele Thüringen. The name in churches, synagogues, pub- could already double the num- tance. Extermination” at the festival, will examine and evalu- refl ects the agenda: ACHAVA lic spaces, including a former ber of visitors compared to the Erfurt memorial site Topf & ate the contemporary relevance aims to convey concepts of heating plant, or in the open fi rst ACHAVA Festival in 2015 – Söhne will be dedicated to the of reformer Martin Luther. “Re- understanding, tolerance and air. Among the many festival a challenge this year’s program Theresienstadt musicians who ligious Freedom and the Secular mutual respect to the general supporters are the Thuringian is glad to take on with a wide performed Verdi’s “Requiem” a State”, “Freedom and the Rule public. From August 31 until State government, regional variety of concerts, dance per- number of times in the ghetto. of Law” are topics which will September 10, 2017, the festi- businesses and media, as well formances, panel discussions, The exhibition also traces the certainly draw large audiences. val – in its third year – will not as the Erfurt municipality, the exhibitions, a street festival, fate of Jewish musicians in the “Luckily, people want to make only enrich the cultural land- Israeli Embassy in Berlin, and children’s activities, fi lms, and town of Weimar. The Staats- up their own minds and take scape in Thuringia, but also the Central Council of Jews in religious services. kapelle Weimar and the MDR time to do so,“ says Kranz. set standards for interreligious Germany to name but a few. The name “MoZuluArt” is broadcast choir will dedicate Poet Heinrich Heine once dialogue. “The Jewish symbol Addressing and integrating already intriguing – and the their performance of the “Re- said that the book is the Jews’ of the fi g tree, in the shade of more and more diff erent social festival’s opening concert of quiem” at St. Marien, Erfurt’s “portable homeland”. Israeli which there is room for every- groups, including the Muslim this Austrian-African band is , to the memory of artist Nechama Levendel off ers bound to be electrifying with the murdered musicians. A a fascinating new interpreta- its synthesis of 18th century Eu- concert and discussion en- tion of this dictum. She col- ropean music and traditional titled “The Violin of Buchen- lects discarded books from dif- rhythms from Zimbabwe. The wald” explores the dramatic ferent civilisations, languages, “Gypsy Soul and Jewish Heart” story of a unique collection and subjects, tears them apart concert will also testify to a People want to make up musical symbiosis of a special “ kind, whilst the Tatar Monks choir from Kazan introduces their own minds and take sacred music of the Christian Orthodox tradition. Jazz con- time to do so noisseurs have the Erfurt fes- tival fi rmly on their agenda al- ready, but this year is special as the First ACHAVA Jazz Award one, is our programmatic ba- community, churches, teach- will be presented. It goes to the sis. As one of the oldest world ers, and organisations from duo “Fractal Limit”. Brazilian religions has, so to the adult education sector, the singer Tatiana Parra and pia- speak, great experience in an- festival helps foster a sense of nist Vardan Ovsepian from Ar- alyzing man’s weaknesses and cohesion and community be- menia quite simply convinced strengths,” says event organiz- yond religious and political the jury with their music’s er Martin Kranz. In the past, boundaries and lives up to its “magic and depth”. Of course, he has succeeded in bringing name. they will grace the award cer- renowned Israeli musicians emony on September 9 with like Avishai Cohen, Ravid Ka- Insight into Jewish culture a performance – their fi rst in halani, and Idan Raichel to Germany! “New projects like Erfurt to perform at the fes- The main focus was and is to the ACHAVA Jazz Award open tival. However, the ten days provide insight into Jewish and doors for further intercultural program is much more than Israeli culture at large. ACHA- exchange,” says Kranz. Anoth- an opportunity to promote VA Festival takes the opportu- er jazz highlight will take place artistic quality outside off the nity to mark the European Day the following evening when world’s large concert halls. of Jewish Culture, a continent- Omer Klein and his trio will “We are committed to engage wide Jewish culture and educa- perform at the Heizwerk, the

in dialogue and debate, to ac- tion festival that encompasses former heating plant and now Beck Lukas cept dissent and to encounter hundreds of events in more one of the hottest venues in Mozart meets Zimbabwe: Austro-African band MoZuluArt 2017 | SUPPLEMENT CULTURE & MEMORY | V

and reassembles them. In this ported the project with great new synthesis she expresses enthusiasm and cooperative- Erfurt Cathedral, one of the fes val’s venues her desire to act as a mediator ness. Reinhard Schramm as between diff erent cultures. The president of the Jewish Com- festival dedicates a special ex- munity of Thuringia has also hibition to Levendel’s very own been with us from the begin- art of the book. ning and every year helps to Martin Kranz knows that the mobilize members and part- festival is at the right place ners. In addition, we have and comes at the right time: programmatic partners such “Thuringia is an excellent basis. Luckily, a number of gems of Jewish cultural history have been pre- served here, es-

pecially in Erfurt. Kranz Stefan This is also why the concept of the The festival is complemented ACHAVA Festi- by the Jewish-Israeli Cultural

val contributes to Hadley Sarah Days and the program of the the city’s current Winners of ACHAVA Jazz Award: Fractal Limit The festival helps generate Yiddish Summer Weimar, as application for “ well as our own cultural activi- UNESCO World Heritage sta- as all political foundations in ties. Together with government tus. And, people from all over Germany and, of course, cor- a sense of Jewish normality commitment for preserving Germany come to our festival.” porations and individuals act- Jewish heritage, this generates And Kranz is not the only ing as sponsors.” a sense of Jewish normality in one with this conviction: “Our What does the future hold for we can ensure future ACHAVA enriches everyday life in our Thuringia.” Is there any bet- fi rst and foremost partner was the festival? “Of course I wish festivals will be lively, up-to- Jewish community and in soci- ter way to promote achava – the state of Thuringia, in the ACHAVA Festival mazal tov till date, and interesting. A festival ety at large with Jewish culture friendship and brotherhood? ■ person of Prime Minister Bo- 120 … but I know it’s no good for the people can only be done at its best. We are involved in do Ramelow. He immediately resting on one’s laurels. Thus, with the people.” the preparation and the con- ACHAVA Festival starts on recognized the potential and I am looking forward to lots of Professor Reinhard Schramm duct of Shabbat services and August 31, 2017. current relevance and has sup- constructive feedback so that adds: “The ACHAVA Festival of cultural and political events. www.achava-festspiele.de

MEMORIAL SITE TOPF & SÖHNE Remembrance for the 21st Century Former headquarters of the “builders of the Auschwitz ovens” is now a museum

By Dieter Sattler means of cadaver dispos- and “soiling its own nest.” An argument al.” But the ovens that he to which then-head of the Jewish com- lways glad to serve you…” This would later design for the munity of the state of Thuringia, Wolf- was how the Erfurt business- SS were intended for one gang Nossen, commented: “You should A man Ernst-Wolfgang Topf purpose only: mass dis- have given some thought to the city’s im- concluded a letter to the SS construc- posal of human beings. age 80 years ago!” Today the memorial is tion management at Auschwitz. This Alongside historical welcomed by the city and its citizens, as cynical salutation is now inscribed on documentation, the me- is also evident by its close collaboration the exterior of the former adminis- morial center also fo- with other local institutions. One teacher trative building of Topf & Söhne, the cuses on questions of from Norway commented: “When I go company that built crematoria ov- remembrance work and home tomorrow, I’ll have questions, ques- ens and ventilation systems for Aus- engagement with cur- tions, questions.” The exhibition "Indus- chwitz-Birkenau, Mauthausen, and rent issues. Among its try and Holocaust" is shown at the Aus- other German concentration and notable initiatives was chwitz-Birkenau State Museum until the

death camps. For decades, the histo- / Köln Pichler Architekten Kastner the November 2011 pub- end of October. For American audiences, ry of this factory facility was largely lic commemoration of an English and Spanish language version ignored. After the successor company, a of death. They delivered the crematoria the victims of far-right murders, as well is available. ■ storage and malting equipment manufac- ovens and other technology needed to as several events held in commemoration turer, went bankrupt in 1996, the prem- carry out murder on a mass and effi cient of the genocide in Rwanda. The numer- ises remained unused until 2001, when it scale. Their expertise helped the Nazis ous educational activities of the center JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY was occupied by squatters. However, two implement their murderous plans quick- include eyewitness testimony such as the years earlier, a society had been founded ly and effi ciently. And they knew exactly accounts of Hungarian Auschwitz survi- THURINGIA to research the history of J. A. Topf & what they were doing. Company employ- vor Eva Fahidi-Pusztai, discussions about LIVING TRADITIONS LASTING VISIONS Söhne. In 2011, the state of Thuringia took ees spent months on-site, observing and recent developments in right-wing popu- up this initiative, establishing a memorial monitoring the “operational reliability” lism and extremism as well as media re- P, ..... and permanent exhibition in the former of their systems, in the process becoming ports on the topic, and discussions of the Dr. Rafael Seligmann administrative building. The exhibition witnesses to mass murder. nature of complicity and business ethics includes many documents that show how The moral debasement that resulted as a whole. The center also hosts work- E the organization and implementation of from this willing complicity is exemplifi ed shops for refugees living in Thuringia and Hartmut Bomhoff , Dr. Elisabeth Neu, Dr. Tong-Jin Smith state-organized mass murder could only by Karl Prüfer (1891−1952), Topf & Söhne’s for Muslim university students on topics be carried out with the assistance of or- head engineer. In his early career, Prüfer such as human rights and democracy. The dinary Germans. The history of Topf & had worked in the memorial website Michal Blum, Paul Siebel Söhne thus serves as an instructive ex- areas of waste dis- includes a “web dia- P ample for the complicity of the broader posal, cremation of logue” section where Frankfurter Societäts-Druckerei GmbH population. In her book Industrie und Ho- animal corpses, and online visitors can Bartash Printing Inc. locaust, Annegret Schüle, who is also cu- the design and con- post their own con- C rator of the memorial, writes: “With Topf struction of munic- tributions. SVoice from Germany GmbH & Söhne, we encounter the ordinary face ipal crematoria. In In the early years, Postfach 311310 D-10643 Berlin of Auschwitz’s machinery of destruction, 1931, Prüfer would there were some right in the midst of everyday German still write, “crema- who argued that the [email protected] society.” During the Nazi era, the Erfurt tion should not be memorial was harm- www.jewish-voice-from-germany.de engineers served as veritable technicians debased simply to a Dirk Urban ing Erfurt’s image VI | VISIONS SUPPLEMENT | 2017

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN The Bauhaus: From Weimar into the World Pioneer of modernity still shapes our daily lives U. Pohlmann U. The Wagenfeld lamp

ed in crafts and drawing, and painting, as well as scientifi cally-theoretically too.” Sculptors, stone masons, smiths, wood cutters, and weavers and many more were to be instructed here. Likewise, composition and drawing, as well as de- signing furniture and everyday objects were to be taught. Theoretical lessons entailed anatomy, history of arts, mate- rials science. But the curriculum also in-

Samuel Zuder / Thüringer Tourismus GmbH Tourismus Samuel Zuder / Thüringer cluded nitty gritty such as “basic knowl- Haus am Horn in Weimar, built for the Bauhaus exhibi on in 1923 edge of bookkeeping, contract closing, professional fees.” By Elisabeth Neu near Hanover. Now, Weimar was call- from the million hands of craftsmen as ing. In early 1919, the local Art School a clear symbol of a new belief to come.” Form follows function he story has a happy end. Al- and the School of Arts and Crafts, both Well, reality was a diff erent thing. though, for a while, it seemed renowned institutions, had merged to 1919 meant hard times. The economy Top priority at the Bauhaus: Versatility! unlikely. In 1919, all eyes were create what would later become known was stalling, provisions were scarce. Love of experimentation! A laboratory on Weimar, the tiny town in the as “the Bauhaus.” Soon students and teachers complained of modernity had sprung up in Weimar. Theart of Thuringia. The German Nation- This clearly called for a manifesto. Its about the lack of materials, freezing cold Henceforth, form had to follow function. al Assembly had withdrawn here from opening sentence was a bombshell: “The working spaces, frugal meals. But Gro- Gone were the fussy interiors of the turn the revolutionary hotbed of the Capi- ultimate goal of all art is the building!” tal, Berlin. It had gathered to draw up Gropius went on to demand: “Architects, a constitution in the “Spirit of Weimar” sculptors, painters – we all must return – home of venerated poets and think- to craftsmanship! For there is no such ers like Goethe, Schiller, Wieland, and thing as ‘art by profession’. There is no Herder. It was a spirit Germans con- essential diff erence between the artist “ Clear lines, geometrical shapes, modern jured up to contrast the monstrosities and the artisan. The artist is an exalted of WWI. The constitution was to be that artisan.” Expressionistically intoxicated, materials were the basis for functional, of a republic, the fi rst on German soil. he continued: “Let us strive for, conceive, Whilst the assembly noodled over details, and create the new building of the fu- simple furniture and everyday objects Walter Gropius, a 36 year old architect, ture that will unite every discipline, ar- signed the contract making him director chitecture and sculpture and painting, of the new Weimar Art School, the State and which will one day rise heavenwards pius was a highly gifted administrator, of the century, the over-ornate facades, Bauhaus. Weimar democracycy was to lastlast fund raiser, and organizerorg – and a tal- and cumbersome architecture. The new a mere 14 years before it waswas strangled ent scout. WWithini a very short man – his creation was also an ambition by Hitler’s Nazis. Its demisee was al- time period,perio he persuaded of the Bauhaus program – demanded so to be the end of the Bauhaus.uhaus. the crèmecrèm de la crème of transparency, fresh air, and sunlight in As a fl agship of modernity this the avant-gardeava to sign his living and work space. Clear lines, school was anathema to thehe uupp as BBauhaus teachers: geometrical shapes, modern materials Nazis. But German democ-c- LyonLyonele Feininger, Jo- were the basis for functional, simple racy came back to stay. Andd hanhannesn Itten, Wassily pieces of furniture and everyday objects after its closure in Germany, Kandinsky,Kan Paul Klee, like crockery and cutlery, lamps and the Bauhaus went global. It, GerhardGerh Marcks, Os- multi-coloured abstract tapestries. The too, is here to stay – defi n- kar Schlemmer, and steel tube chair “Wassily” designed by ing style, taste and every- LászlóLász Moholy-Nagy Marcel Breuer, Josef Hartwig’s chess set, day life worldwide. And in rushedrush to Thuringia Peter Keler’s cradle, Marianne Brandt’s 2019, the Bauhaus will be to workw as “Masters tea set, the Wagenfeld and Jucker lamp celebrating its centenary! of FForm.” “Workshop have long become icons of style and Its founding direc- MMasters”,ast on the other design. In the 1920s, they were revolu- tor Walter Gropius hadd hhand,and were to teach tionary. Also with houses, factories, and dropped out of architecturere tthehe sstudentst the skills apartments form was now to follow func- ung Weimar Weimar ung Ō

school. Good looking andnd of ccrafts.raf tion. Glass and steel constructions sub- Ɵ highly-decorated in WWII forfor ComCommittedm to multi- stituted heavy brick-work. The Golden valor at the front, Gropiusus hhahadd ddisciplinarityisciplin and peda- Twenties craved innovation, provocation already made his mark withith revolu-revvollu-- ggogics,ogics, GGropius also drew – the unconventional. tionary designs like a factorytory buildingbuiilding uup tthehe BaBauhausu curriculum: And now it was party time, too. Extra-

for shoe last producer Fagusgus in AAlfeldlfeld Cradle designed by Peter Keler ““T“Thehe sstudentstuden will be instruct- curricular activities were written law Burzik / Klassik S Alexander 2017 | SUPPLEMENT VISIONS | VII

at the Bauhaus: “Friendly intercourse is called here. The original German archi- between masters and students outside tecture had to pay tribute to the climatic work; theatre performances, lectures, conditions of the Holy Land. Large glass poetry, music, fancy dress parties. Build- fronts were replaced by small shutter like ing a buoyant ceremonial at these gath- windows; narrow canopied balconies pro- erings.” A famous photograph showing tect from the fi erce sun and heat. Over the a group of Bauhauslers in high spirits, decades since they were constructed, most bursting out of a door laughing and of the buildings have become the worse smoking testifi es to the buoyancy, if not for wear. A UNESCO World Heritage site the ceremonial. Bauhaus parties quickly since 2003, Tel Aviv has begun tending to became legendary. its Bauhaus treasure. Substantial renova- tions are being carried out. The German Art and technology federal government supports the spruc- ing up of these buildings which are much And how did the good people of Wei- loved by their inhabitants. mar react to all this? Not just the revel- From Thuringia into the world – since ing was observed with suspicion – would 2009 Berlin photographer Jean Molitor these young wild things also rob the lo- has been following Bauhaus traces. His cal craftsmen of their livelihoods? Were work beautifully documents Bauhaus perhaps communists at work there? inspired buildings, i.e. in Cuba, Turkey, Early on, Gropius was forced to assure Morocco, Tartastan, and Burundi. And that all Bauhaus students were “Aryans”, Christian Benimana, director of the Af- of German origin, German speakers and rican Design Center in Kigali, thinks that that the 17 students of Jewish origin had today Bauhaus should serve as an inspira- mostly been baptized and were not re- tion for modern African urban planning. ceiving grants… However, two of the But not all made it out into the world. Bauhaus masters were of Jewish descent: One of the most talented Bauhau students, László Moholy-Nagy and Marcel Breuer. Friedel Dicker, who had followed Johannes As for sustenance: The Bauhaus lot Itten from Vienna to Weimar, could not favoured healthy and communal fare. build a new life for herself in a distant land. Home-grown vegetables were pureed, Born in Vienna, the all-rounder had joined but the mash needed spicing up. Alma the Bauhaus in 1919. She was a photogra- Mahler – later Werfel, in the interim al- pher by training but also carved puppets, so Mrs. Gropius – as vicious as she was designed stage sets, costumes, jewellery, beautiful, remarked that the one unfor- stackable chairs, kindergarten interiors. In gettable characteristic of the Bauhaus 1942, she was deported to Theresienstadt. was that its members “reeked of garlic.” There she dedicated herself to caring for In the summer of 1923, the Bauhaus the children. During lovingly equipped presented the fruits of its endeavors to theatre performances and painting lessons the public in a large exhibition. In its epi- she granted the little ones short respites centre: The Haus am Horn, a residential of normality and joy in the hell they were house built especially for the show. On a living in. In 1944, Friedl Dicker was killed

footnote: Gropius’ original design for the JVG in Auschwitz. house had been rejected. Instead, Georg In the White City Tel Aviv Muche, a young painter, woodcutter and weaver, received the commission. Com- could now be produced in large fort, functionality, and effi ciency were numbers. Good (Bauhaus) de- the masters of this house. The interior, sign became accessible to ma- carpets, radiators, tiles, furniture had all ny people. The exhibition was been manufactured in Bauhaus work- a huge success with visitors, vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en shops. The Haus am Horn has recently critics, and the press alike – Ɵ ps://crea been lovingly restored to its original also internationally. Ʃ glory and is now part of UNESCO World But dark clouds had been gath- Heritage sites in Weimar. If you happen ering over Weimar’s Bauhaus to be in the area, don’t forget to take a for some time. Finances were a peek into the kitchen –Theodor Bogler’s problem from the beginning al- storage set is a must have for design lov- though Gropius had somehow ers ‘til this day. always managed to scrape by. on-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) / h (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported on-ShareAlike Never at a loss for a grand statement, Now in 1924, Thuringia’s social Ɵ ribu Gropius pronounced “Art and Tech- democratic government, which Ʃ nology – a New Unity” at the opening had been in favor of the Bau- of the show. This was a new depar- haus, was superseded by con-

ture for the Bauhaus since thanks to servative-nationalistic powers. / Wikimedia A Joe Ravi modern assembly methods and ma- Gropius was informed that not The New Bauhaus in Chicago: Illinois Ins tute of Technology terials, objects designed in its school even half of the required means would be available. Cautionary no- Chicago. Here, the Weimar curriculum Today, Bauhaus pilgrims have plenty to tice was given to Bauhaus teachers. was developed further. A pioneer in archi- explore in Thuringia: The former Bauhaus And thus, the odyssey began. In tecture, design, and photography in North school building in Weimar, a UNESCO 1925, the school moved to Des- America, the New Bauhaus is currently cel- World Heritage site, is now bustling with sau. Three years later, Gropius ebrating its 80th anniversary. students of Bauhaus University. In Jena, left. His successor Hannes Meyer Mies van der Rohe also left Germany the refectory at Philosophenweg beck- was director for a mere three years for the United States; in the late 1950s he ons, in Erfurt Haus Schellhorn and the when he was given notice for po- was to design the famous Seagram Build- building of the savings bank in the main litical reasons. He was succeeded ing in New York. Naum Slutzky, Bauhaus square Anger. Find out how the legendary by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, an master goldsmith, made England his Bauhaus weavers Gunta Stölzl and Benita vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en Ɵ architect like his predecessors. home. He was to found the department Koch-Otte created their tapestries at Mar- ps://crea

Ʃ Then, the 1931 elections made the of industrial design at the Royal College garetha-Reichhardt-Haus. Dornburg pot- Nazis the largest party in Des- of Art in London. tery, originating in the Weimar Bauhaus, sau. They immediately chased the is still in operation. And on a bicycle tour Bauhaus out of town. The school World Heritage sites through the surrounding countryside you continued as a private institution will discover churches and other motifs fa- in Berlin; in 1933 it was dissolved But not just the teachers disseminated the miliar from Lyonel Feininger’s paintings. under Nazi pressure. Bauhaus spirit all over the world. Many of 2019 is nigh – and with it the Bauhaus Consequently, many Bauhauslers those who had studied there and left Ger- centenary. All three Bauhaus sites – Wei- on-ShareAlike 2.0 Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0 DE) h (CC BY-SA 2.0 Germany on-ShareAlike Ɵ left Germany. Walter Gropius emi- many took it with them. One of them was mar, Dessau, and Berlin – will open spec- ribu Ʃ grated to England, then to America Arieh Sharon. A student of Gropius, he was tacular new museum buildings with new where he was welcomed by the Grad- to become one of Israel’s leading architects. exhibitions. All over Thuringia, exhibi- uate School of Design at Harvard. Today, Tel Aviv boasts the largest assem- tions will be celebrating the jubilee. The László Moholy-Nagy who had joined blage of Bauhaus architecture worldwide. kick-off , “Ways from the Bauhaus” will the Bauhaus in Weimar in 1923, set The “White City” is proud of its 4,000 build- open its doors in August 2017 in Weimar Staircase, Bauhaus University Weimar

Hans Weingartz / Wikimedia A Hans Weingartz out to found the New Bauhaus in ings in the International Style, as Bauhaus – where it all began. ■ VIII | HERITAGE & FUTURE SUPPLEMENT | 2017

A CONVERSATION WITH THE PRIME MINISTER We Embrace Our Responsibility Bodo Ramelow on his commitment to Jewish aff airs

our fi rst journey abroad as prime obligation not to forget or relativize Nazi Topf & Söhne, the place where the incin- minister of Thuringia led you to Is- terror or the Holocaust. I wanted to make erators where built, plays an important role Y rael. It was however not your fi rst a point with my journey and had a Buchen- in Erfurt as a place of gathering, as well as visit. Why? wald survivor, Natalie Fürst, accompany me the Old Synagogue where the Jewish gold Israel is an exciting and fascinating country. throughout my entire journey. With a large treasure is on display. History, the present You can say without a doubt that Israel is the business and scientifi c delegation we visited and the past, is together connected with country where world history began. Also, the many universities and companies in Israel and the UNESCO World Heritage proposal for world religions have their roots in Israel and made new contacts. The fi rst journey was a Jewish life in Erfurt. The bright and the

its neighboring regions. As I am personally great success and we promoted Thuringia dark sides are connected in Erfurt so that Neumann TSK / Barbara devoted to the training of cantors and rabbis specifi cally in Israel to make people curious we actively live with this responsibility, so in my function as a foundation board mem- about our state. that a “Never Again” to anti-Semitism has intercultural encounters. I am pleased that ber of Abraham Geiger College, I have long a lively home in Erfurt. We are happy to at the beginning of the 21st century we can been curious about Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and What makes the relationship between Er- welcome guests from Haifa but also Jewish witness how in a new, democratic Germany the whole of Israel. So I fi rst visited Israel to furt and its partner city Haifa so special? visitors from all over the world. Jewish culture and Jewish faith are taking attend the 2008 ICCJ interfaith congress and Haifa is a beautiful city on the sea. Cos- root again. returned to Germany full of new impressions mopolitan and modern, relaxed and curi- What signifi cance does the fostering of and a huge curiosity to come back again. ous, and fi ts to Erfurt. The partnership has and support for Jewish life in Thuringia have What role does the Jüdische Landesgemeinde I also met Avital Ben-Chorin who was born been alive and well for a long time. For for you and the state? the Jewish community in the state already in Eisenach and escaped Nazi terror with a instance, the Leo Baeck Education Center We are grateful for the new Jewish life play and what role will it play in the future? Kindertransport a rescue mission for Jew- has visited Erfurt with its great musical pro- that enriches our cities and communities. It For me as prime minister it is espe- ish children to Palestine. It was my special gram “Step by Step – Sauwa Sauwa”. Thus, gives our home state Thuringia a fresh and cially close to my heart that the Jüdische wish to help in adopting a resolution across during my Israel journey, it was a pleasure sappy thrust of vitality, dynamics, future, Landesgemeinde can shape Jewish life in party lines in the city council of Eisenach to for me to visit the mayor of Haifa together and perspective. Every year we celebrate freedom, protected as best as possible by grant Avital Ben-Chorin honorary citizen- with the mayor of Erfurt to also set a sign Jewish-Israeli cultural days in Thuringia that the state and supported by society. The state ship and to accompany this process. of friendship. attract a growing audience. Thanks to the government supports the state community general enthusiasm for klezmer the Yiddish in its eff orts to preserve Jewry in all its tra- What is unusual about your fi rst journey You emphasize time and time again how Summer Weimar has become one of the ditional diversity and identity, is committed is that it had Israel as its sole destination. important it is for German-Jewish recon- most renowned festivals for Yiddish music to the principles of the Torah as well as to a My fi rst journey abroad as newly elected ciliation to cope with the past. and culture worldwide. The Achava Festi- cosmopolitan understanding of Jewish life prime minister in 2015 was focused solely on Defi nitively. From our perspective it is val that in 2015 took place in Erfurt for the and culture. ■ Israel especially because Thuringia more than important to emphasize that Er- fi rst time has become something of a tra- withwiihth tthe he concon-- centrationcentration campscam furt embraces its responsibility for its past dition. Dialogue stands at the center of the Bodo Ramelow is the prime minister Buchenwald and Dora hahass aann during the Nazi era. Thus, the memorial festival and allows for many interfaith and of Thuringia

MUST-SEE FINDINGS Testimony of Medieval Ashkenaz The Old Synagogue of Erfurt hosts a unique treasure

the so-called Erfurt Trea- thus constitutes an important sure is on exhibit, a trove testimonial for early Christian of gold and silver jewelry, Hebraism. In Berlin, the pre- tableware,t and rare coins dis- cious convolute eventually be- coveredco about two decades came an object of research for ago.ag It was concealed within Jewish scholars. thethe foundation of a 12th-centu- It was only after 1990 that the Weimar und Archäologie, ege ryry househ in the medieval Jewish fl original structures and the un- Papenfuss / Atelier für Gestaltung / Atelier Papenfuss qquarterua of the city and was in all rendered West facade of the lilikelihoodkel buried by Kalman von Old Synagogue, were discov- Wiehe,Wieh the Jewish house owner, ered and salvaged, and it took justjust beforeb the Black Plague po- special restoration measures to gromsgromo devastated Erfurt’s Jewish preserve the traces of time. To- communitycomm in 1349. In the same gether with the Stone House – year,year, with the Jews being killed or a private building dating back

expelled,l the synagogue next door für Denkmalp Thüringisches Landesamt B. Stefan, to 1250 which can be related was converted into a storehouse. to Jewish owners − a medieval By Gideon Wollberg The treasure, which has a total unique collection. Second, the manuscripts were locked away ritual bath, gravestones from weight of about 28 kilograms, vast number of coins and ingots until the second half of the 17th the 13th century, the Old Syna- e had an amazing comprises more than 3,000 sil- demonstrates Erfurt’s status as century, and then appeared on gogue forms a unique testimo- time,” said Rabbi ver coins, 14 silver ingots, and a medieval center for trade and the inventory list of the library ny to Jewish life and culture in W Richard Steinberg of over 600 pieces of jewelry and commerce. In addition, the exhi- of the Evangelical Ministry in Central Europe. It is only natu- Orange County in California, af- has been on display since 1999. bition off ers a glimpse into Jew- the Augustinian Monastery, ral that the city is applying for ter a rather spontaneous stop- The most prominent piece is ish life and culture in Central from where they were sold in UNESCO World Heritage sta- over in Erfurt. “We thoroughly a golden Jewish wedding ring Europe, Ashkenaz, before the 1880 to the Royal Library in Ber- tus. The Small Synagogue, inau- enjoyed ourselves and learnt a from the early 14th century. De- Black Death. lin. The manuscripts consist of gurated in 1840 and today a mu- great deal.” The Steinbergs were signed in the shape of a tow- Another focus of the exhibi- three very valuable Bible manu- seum devoted to the local Jewish absolutely enthralled by their er, its raised inscription reads tion is a collection of medieval scripts, four Torah scrolls from history of the 19th and 20th cen- visit to the Old Synagogue, a mazal tov, good luck. The fi nd Jewish manuscripts that docu- the 13th and 14th centuries, and turies, adds considerably to this medieval gem in the townscape was in several respects sensa- ments the highly developed in- a number of other writings. The ensemble. No question, Erfurt of Thuringia’s capital. The Alte tional. First, very little jewelry tellectual life of the Erfurt Jew- most impressive piece is the Gi- has become a must-see destina- Synagoge with parts dating from or artwork from wealthy private ish community. Originally, a ant Erfurt Bible, copied in 1343. tion for the traveler interested the 11th century is the oldest syn- households of the Middle Ages bundle of 17 manuscripts, they Scholars say that the collection in Jewish history. Next spring, agogue in Central Europe that has survived. Its non-ecclesias- ended up in the hands of the holds numerous clues to its re- Rabbi Steinberg will be back – has been preserved from its foun- tical Gothic style goldsmith’s municipality during the plague ception after 1349 in the form bringing with him a large group dation to its roof. In its cellars, work makes the treasure a pogrom of 1349. The valuable of apostils and comments and of synagogue members. ■