Berlin’s Jewish past is rich and significant; they have landmarks and sites that speak of the life and vitality of the city’s Jewish population. During a walking tour through the city, Berlin’s Jewish heritage comes to life allowing you to learn about the city’s struggle and successes of the Jewish people and witness that the city cares for its past. In this virtual tour through the Berlin Jewish heritage, we’ll highlight the most important places and offer important information and tips on how to have an unforgettable experience.
The Jewish Museum Berlin
The renowned Jewish Museum Berlin is where you are to start your walking tour. As well as having a massive collection of Jewish artifacts and treasures this iconic institution also provides experience of Jewish life in Germany that brings you up close and into it. The stunner architecture of the museum reflects the pain and hope of German Jewry through the years.
Tips:
If you plan your visit in advance book your tickets online to avoid long queues.
Audio guides are available at the museum for you to take advantage of and also you may join a guided tour to really enhance your knowledge on the exhibits.
The Holocaust Memorial
To today, the architecture of a Holocaust memorial including a deep moving memorial stands about a short walk from the Jewish Museum. Consisting of 2,711 different height concrete slabs arranged in a spacial grid, the memorial has an unsettling and sad mood. The magnitude of this tragedy is too big of a thing to do in a day, reflect on it and pay your respects to the victims.
Tips:
You might visit the underground Information Center getting more information about the Holocaust and how it has affected Berlin.
Please keep respectful and quiet demeanor when attending the memorial.
The New Synagogue
On continue towards the New Synagogue, an architectural gem that miraculously flim fed World War II bombings. The style which the synagogue takes is Moorish, and it was the center of Jewish life in Berlin until a little after World War II, although now it is a symbol of resilience and hope. Walk along its intricate designs, check its history and pause for a minute to admire the grandeur of the building.
Tips:
Because the synagogue is still an active house of worship, check the synagogue’s website for opening hours.
If at all possible, go to a religious service to feel the synagogue’s spiritual atmosphere.
The Stolpersteine
While wandering the streets of Berlin, look out for small brass plaques stuck in the pavement. This is a dedication to people that had persecuted under the Nazis, they are known as Stolpersteine, or stumbling stones. Each stone announces a victim’s name and the year they were killed to serve as a painful reminder that the Holocaust claimed the lives of many human beings. Pause at these stones, honor those lost to hate, and think about the pain and hate that these stones represent.
Tips:
Prior to looking, research the Stolpersteine locations.
Keep in mind when searching for the Stolpersteine to be respectful of private property and not to take pictures of pedestrians or cars on traffic.
Conclusion
On a walking tour of Berlin, exploring its Jewish heritage is an amazing and educational experience that is powerful, teaches you something of the city’s history and gives you a chance to remember those who suffered, to pay tribute and see and be aware of the strength of the Jewish community. The Holocaust Memorial, the New Synagogue, the Stolpersteine, each destination partakes in the telling of a unique part of the story – a story of hope, remembrance, and human spirit, forming from the Jewish Museum Berlin, the New Synagogue, Stolpersteine, and from everywhere in between. Remember to make a plan, capitalize on what you can, and go to each site respecting and revering them as they should be. It was with great interest that we discovered Berlin’s Jewish heritage.
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