jews and jewish education in germany today - The Westbury Group

● Some voices are talking about a new pluralism of Jewish life in Germany. Do you share this view? And if
so, what are the most essential components of this new German-Jewish pluralism?
Yes, I think that expression of diversity is on the rise in the Jewish Communities of Germany. Today, for
example, you can find egalitarian and progressive congregations alongside the more traditional ones in bigger
towns and cities. I’ve seen the development of Bet Debora, 1 and I was really impressed. There are also
striking developments in traditional Judaism in Germany, for example in initiatives by Lauder or by Chabad.
And concerning Berlin, I have the feeling that there’s more life now in the new orthodox groups [i.e. Chabad,
Lauder, O.G.] than in the established communities. Perhaps it is because people are interested in something
new. And competition between the old and new groups seems to have sparked a lot of creativity, which in my
view has to lead to positive developments overall.
● How would you describe the current relations between German speaking Jews and Russian speaking (i.e.
immigrated) Jews?
There is still a lack of communication between both groups, and it seems to me that there are still some false
expectations and mistaken attitudes on both sides. For some, the language problem remains. On a personal
note, our journal Golem has been published in three languages – in English, French and German. I wanted to
introduce the Russian language as well.
On the other hand, there is a tendency among some in the “new” Community to remain on their own. For
example, the World Congress of Russian-speaking Jews (WCRJ) provides its own Russian language
programs. For the established Community, these programs can feel like another, exclusive universe in their
own backyard.
However, with Limmud we have a mandate to try to reach out to all groups, and we have already seen some
progress so far in our two major festivals. People from the old and new Communities have met and formed
new friendships. It’s a start.
● How would you describe the current relations between religious and non-religious Jews in Germany?
I don’t see any significant difficulties in these relations. The only point of tension I see is in the concern of
some parents who fear that the new orthodox kindergartens and grammar schools will siphon off children,
and thus state financial support, from the more liberal schools run by the Community.
● Please describe strengths and weaknesses of the current Jewish educational programs in Germany.
I think it would make sense to provide more support for the Jewish adult education centers (JVHS), just to
enable them to widen their offerings. It’s definitely necessary. Seen from this point, Limmud is also very
much in need of more support from outside.
● Are plans for Limmud moving ahead in Germany?
1 Bet Debora, a conference by and about female rabbis, cantors and educators in Europe, was founded by Jewish women
activists in Berlin. Conferences were held in Berlin in 1999, 2001 and 2003. The fourth Bet Debora conference was held
in Budapest in 2006, and the fifth will take place in June 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
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