We Want to Become a Big Family

Dewezet, November 16, 2003

HAMELN — The Jüdische Gemeinde Hameln had three good reasons for a celebration: they celebrated Shavuot, dedicated their new rooms (Bahnhofstr. 22), and inducted Rabbi Irit Shillor as their congregational rabbi.

New Rabbi Irit Shillor with cantor-in-training Rebekka Dohme

Congregation president Rachel Dohme welcomed twenty-three former Jewish residents of Hameln who were concluding a one-week visit to the Pied Piper town on invitation of the City of Hameln and the Society of Christians and Jews.  Joining Mrs. Dohme in welcoming the visitors was Mayor Herbert Rode, Mr. Klaus Nolting, Mr. Johannes Scharbatke from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and Mr. Hans Wilhelm Guesgen from the Free Democratic Party (FDP), along with other members of the city council.  Also present were Pastor Udo Wolten and Father Joachim Wingert, representatives of the Lutheran and Catholic churches of the city.

“We thank you for your coming and recognize your attendence as a sign of respect and honor”, said Rachel Dohme.

Congregational leaders from the three other communities Rabbi Shillor will serve also took part in the induction service.

Rabbi Shillor remarked, “I was born in Israel and have spent many years in England.  The opportunity to work in these congregations gives me the possibility to work in Germany.  My mother was Austrian and so I feel at home speaking German.”  Her Russian is limited but she’s willing to learn.  “We need to get to know one another and I hope we’ll become a big family”, quipped Rabbi Shillor.

After celebrating Shavuot (the Jewish holiday to celebrate the receiving of the Torah), Rabbi Shillor dedicated the congregation’s new rooms.  “We’re thankful that we have such beautiful rooms to pray in.”  The service was concluded with a concert by the congregation’s music group “Shalom”