Another important event was the Peace Festival. Once again our community took part in this inter-religious event. Our children’s religious class presented paintings they had done depicting the Jewish holidays and described their works of art. They also sang two songs in Hebrew with our Schicha (youth leader) from Israel, Michal Tal.
Michal read a psalm in Hebrew, which was translated into German and Russian by congregants. Our congregation’s choir Shalom rounded up our presentation with lively music to the delight of the audience. Many people took advantage of the information at our stand and engaged us in discussion about Judaism, our congregation and our plans for the new synagogue.
The visit of our foundation’s “A Synagogue for Hamelin” patrons on November 23rd was the final special event of the month. Our four patrons, Rabbi Dr. Henry G. Brandt, Bishop Dr. Horst Hirschler, Bishop Dr. Josef Homeyer and former minister president of Lower Saxony Dr. Ernst Albrecht, toured the future site of our new synagogue, heard a short talk about the past and future of the Jewish Congregation of Hamelin, and held a press conference during which Hamelin architect Frank Taylor, in cooperation with design architect Arnold Oppler, presented plans for the new synagogue. A fascinating and well-attended podium discussion at Schiller Gymnasium, titled “Jews and Christians—what do we share—what makes us different,” ended our patron’s busy day.
In December everyone is excited about Hanukkah! Our congregational Hanukkah celebration will be held on December 15th. We’re especially pleased that our rabbinical student Jona Simon will be joining us for the celebration. At this dark time of year we rejoice in the story of Hanukkah and never tire of hearing how the Maccabees, although so few, triumphed over the idol worshippers and their mighty army, rekindling the Menorah and rededicating the Temple. This story remains an inspiration for us all today.
Hanukkah Celebration
Join us on Friday, December 15th, when we celebrate Hanukkah with prayer, stories, songs, games, lots and lots of latkes, and sweet jelly doughnuts. Don’t forget to bring your Hanukkia! Let’s light the first candle together. There will be surprises for the children and fun for everyone.
Rabbinical Student Jona Simon’s Visit December 15th and 16th
We look forward to celebrating Hanukkah with our rabbinical student this year. On Saturday morning there will be a Shacharit morning service, followed by a Torah study session. Our Torah study session is held in German and Russian and is fascinating for all.
Lecture Series with Itamar Baum Begins
We are proud to offer a six-part lecture series, running from December to June with Mr. Itamar Baum. Mr. Baum holds his degree in Jewish Studies from the University of Heidelberg. In last month’s newsletter, members received a flyer describing the series. We’re excited to offer this course to our members and hope many will take part in what promises to be a very enriching experience. The first lecture, entitled “The Meaning of Prayer,” will begin on Saturday, December 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. The lecture will be held in German and Russian. We look forward to seeing you there!
Our “Young Cantor” Rebekka
On Friday, December 29th, Rebekka Dohme will once again lend her voice to our Friday night services. The congregation is thrilled to have Rebekka back in her “home congregation” while she visits her family during winter break from college.
News from Dr. Kratzenstein’s Family in Australia
Harold Brown, grandson of Dr. Siegmund Kratzenstein, of blessed memory, reports that a short documentary film has been made about the recent stone setting for Dr. Kratzenstein in Hameln. (see article “In the News”). The film describes the long and complicated story of how the unveiling came about and our congregation’s part in it. The film, produced by Hallmark Productions, will be shown throughout Australia.
Torah group
We would like to read the Torah from beginning to end together this year. Join us every Shabbat morning at 10:00 a.m. as we read and study the parashah of the week! These sessions will be communal and lay-led except for weekends when our rabbi or our rabbinical student is with us. The sessions are held in German and Russian. Check the calendar for dates.
Winter Camp
This youth department of the Union of Progressive Jews of Germany has organized a winter camp, running from December 21st until December 29th. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 will travel to Stuttgart for nine days of Jewish fun and learning. This is a great opportunity to meet other Jewish youth from all over Germany.
New Cooperation Partner
Thanks to a tip from member Eva Shkolnikova, we have begun a new partner program with the organization Work and Life. We look forward to a good working relationship with them and are pleased to have their interest and support in our community.
Museum Exhibit
The City Museum’s long-running and successful exhibit, “Up and Gone,” which shows the lives of those who for one reason or another have made Hamelin their new home, has drawn to a close. Many of our members lent the museum personal items, gave interviews and in general helped to make this exhibit so successful. Our vice president, Polina Pelts, took special care to assist the museum with the exhibit and was acknowledged by Lower Saxony’s governor, Mr. Christian Wulff.
Planning Committee Members Needed
In order to organize and plan this year’s New Year’s party and our 10th Anniversary Celebration, which we will celebrate later this year, committee members are needed. Please offer your time, energy and good ideas, and help us make these special celebrations even more special. Contact Valerij Friedmann or Rachel Dohme.
Mazel Tov
We welcome the Berlin Jewish Congregation Sukkat Shalom to the Union of Progressive Jews of Germany. The Union now has 20 congregations, and this new addition in our nation’s capitol is an exciting addition.
Tree of Life
New leaves continue to grow even in the Winter: Recent additions are:
- The Dohme family—stone setting, Dr Siegmund Kratzenstein,
Elul 14 5767
- In honor the life of Holger Lampe
- Wedding of Julia and Alexander Mohaupt
- Heidemarie Braun: God’s blessing for Mascha and Blanka
Newly ordered:
- · Barbara Jacobsberg: Happy Birthday
Leaves are available for a minimum of “Triple Chai” ($54) and can be purchased online through our safe server. Every leaf helps to bring our dream of our own synagogue a little closer. May you be blessed for your generosity.
Contributions
We thank the following people for their generosity: E. Bruns, U. Niedert, B. Jacobsberg, B. Markhaseev and E. Shkolnikova.
Todah Rabah — Thank You
Again we want to give a warm “thank you” to everyone who helped make the Benefit Concert for a Synagogue for Hamelin such a success. We especially wish to thank the musicians, sponsors and our member and organizor, Uwe Wolandowitsch.
Birthdays in November
Happy birthday to all who have a November birthday. Join us on Friday, December 29th, for a special birthday Kiddush after services.
Refuah Schlamah — Get well wishes
We wish all who are ill a speedy and complete recovery. Anyone wishing a home visit should call Mrs Berta Friedmann.
Yahrzeit — We remember:
Frida Dachkevich — December 3, 2001/ 18 Kislev 5762
Rosa Kirica — December 1, 2000/ 4. Kislev 5761
Grigori Drabkine — December 7, 2005/ 6. Kislev 5766
Please join the congregation and the families to say Kaddish for them at services.
Shalom and Happy Hanukkah,
—Your synagogue board
December 2006 • Kislev–Tevet 5767
Friday, December 1 5:00 p.m. Kabbalath Shabbat with Rachel Dohme
Saturday, December 2 3:00 p.m. Workshop: “The Meaning of Prayer”
with Itamar Baum
Monday, December 4 12:00 a.m. “Introduction to Judaism” with V. Pesok
Thursday, December 7 3:30 p.m. “Young and Jewish Hamelin Jr.”
with Michal Tal
4:30 p.m. B'nei Mitzvah class
5:30 p.m. Hebrew class or adults
Saturday, December 9 10:00 a.m. Shabbat morning services/Torah study
with Rachel Dohme
Tuesday, December 12 4:00 p.m. Concert: Natalia Gonohova, St. Petersburg,
3 Euros
Thursday, December 14 2:30 p.m. Citizenship class with Dieter Vogelhuber
4:00 p.m. “Jews and Christians in Dialogue —
Hanukka and Christmas” in cooperation with
the Society of Christian and Jews, St.
Augustinus Kirche, Hamelin
Rabbinical Student Jona Simon's Visit:
Friday, December 15 5:00 p.m. Congregational Hanukka celebration
Saturday, December 16 10:00 a.m. Shabbat morning service/Torah study
Tuesday, December 19 4:00 p.m. “Russian Afternoon” with Maja Olvovska
Thursday, December 21 11:00 a.m. Lecture: “Israel” with Dieter Vogelhuber
December 21–December 29 Winter Youth Camp, Stuttgart
Saturday, December 23 10:00 a.m. Shabbat morning service/Torah study
with Rachel Dohme
Friday, December 29 5:00 p.m. Kabbalath Shabbat with Rebekka and
Rachel Dohme
Looking ahead:
Congregational New Year's Party, January 4, 2007, 4:00 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 20th
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