New Synagogue Will Be a Meeting Place
for All Citizens of Hamlin

Hannover Allgemeinne Zeitung
November 17, 2001
Editor: Dieter Klocke

Building costs of three million German Marks — Cornerstone to be set in spring.

HAMLIN/SEESEN: The Jewish Congregation Hamlin e.V. has presented plans to build a new synagogue in the Bürenstrasse (total cost 3 million German marks, $1.4 million) to replace the one that was burnt down by the Nazis on Kristallnacht in 1938. The front is reminiscent of the façade of the old synagogue. The cornerstone is to be laid in spring 2002.

“The project will be presented at the Congress of Reform Judaism in Boston,” says Rachel Dohme, president of the Hamlin congregation. “The new synagogue is to be a place of learning, prayer and tolerance, which will be open to all citizens of Hamlin.” The gable façade will be made of special sandstone, with a Magendavid insert and a glass tower on each end, and flanked by two old trees that are still standing. On the roof there will be three flags, reminiscent of the old synagogue. “I am sure,” says Rachel Dohme, “that the new building will harmonize well with the style of the rest of the city.”

Inside the place of worship, starting with the basement, there is to be a workshop (in which the members intend to make objects for sale to help finance the building) and a Mikva (ritual bath in the form of a Magendavid). Then on the ground floor will be a large room that can be put to many uses, as well as a room for prayer, a gift shop (in which the produce from the members can be sold), a kitchen, and an office. On the first floor, there is to be a “Museum of Tolerance”, a library, classrooms, and offices. Finally, on the second floor will be guestrooms and a playroom. The plans have been drawn up without charge by a local architect, together with the community, .

“We have already received our first large donation, 100 000 German Marks from a Reform Jewish attorney from Manhattan (USA).” Rachel Dohme explained that fundraising will also be conducted with cardboard collecting boxes, of which, thanks to Rabbi Jo David of the Jewish Appleseed Foundation, more than 1000 have been distributed in America alone. The donations are then paid into an account, which the Hamlin Congregation has in America. Further fundraising will be from the sale of saving boxes in the shape of the former Jacobson Temple that stood in Seesen/Harz. The Jacobson Temple was the birthplace of Reform Judaism 200 years ago, and its tradition lives on in the Hamlin Congregation. There is also a mouse pad, with a mouse wearing a kippa (Jewish headwear) printed on it. Both articles can be bought from the Jewish Congregation Hamlin, Stubenstrasse 30, for 45 DM and 20 DM, respectively. We have already received our first large donation, 100 000 German Marks from a Reform Jewish attorney.

As already reported, the city is prepared to let the community have this historic synagogue plot for a low price. The children’s playground, which is on the plot at the moment will have to be relocated, but the memorial to the old synagogue can remain where it is.

• Bank account for donations: (in Germany)
Dresdner Bank, BLZ (code) 254 800 21, account number 44 34 03 22 02.