Jewish Academy Opens in Germany, Fostering Dialogue and Combating Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Germany has opened a new Jewish Academy in Frankfurt, inspired by the first "Lehrhaus" founded by Franz Rosenzweig in 1920. The academy aims to foster Jewish learning, dialogue, and understanding for all, serving as a symbol of Jewish self-confidence amid rising antisemitism. Speakers emphasized the historical importance of Jewish education in Germany and the need to combat hate through knowledge, dialogue, and community, urging political parties to unequivocally reject antisemitism.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new Jewish Academy has opened in Frankfurt, Germany, over 100 years after the first "Lehrhaus" was established.
- The academy aims to be a center for Jewish learning, dialogue, and understanding for both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals.
- The opening highlights the historical significance of Jewish intellectual life in Germany and the legacy of philosopher Franz Rosenzweig.
- Speakers emphasized the need to combat rising antisemitism, particularly in light of recent events and extremist ideologies.
- Education, dialogue, and community were presented as key antidotes to hate and ignorance.
- The academy is seen as a symbol of Jewish self-confidence and trust in the future of Jewish life in Germany.
A new Jewish Academy has opened in Frankfurt, Germany, over a century after the first "Lehrhaus" (house of learning) was established there by philosopher Franz Rosenzweig. The academy aims to be a center for Jewish thought, dialogue, and education, open to both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals seeking to understand contemporary Jewish life, philosophy, art, literature, Israel, and interfaith relations.
The opening ceremony highlighted the historical significance of Jewish intellectual life in Germany, referencing Rosenzweig's wartime letter emphasizing the importance of education and cultural preservation for Jewish identity. The original Lehrhaus, founded in 1920, served as a reform-pedagogical institution where prominent figures like Martin Buber and Erich Fromm taught. However, it was closed in 1938, and its educators and students faced persecution during the Holocaust.
The speaker expressed deep gratitude to those who made the new academy possible, including former Central Council of Jews President Dieter Graumann and current President Josef Schuster, acknowledging challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The academy is seen as a symbol of Jewish self-confidence and trust in the future of Jewish life in Germany, particularly in the face of a current rise in antisemitism.
The address strongly condemned antisemitism in all its forms, noting its increase since the Hamas attack on October 7th and its roots in far-right, far-left, and Islamist extremism. The speaker emphasized that combating hate requires naming it, protecting Jewish institutions, and fostering solidarity. The importance of education, dialogue, and community as antidotes to ignorance and hate was stressed, echoing Rosenzweig's philosophy.
The academy is intended to be a place where knowledge precedes judgment and deeper understanding leads to greater respect. It is positioned as a vital institution for Germany's intellectual landscape, promoting Jewish perspectives within society and encouraging robust, respectful dialogue as a cornerstone of democratic action. The speaker urged all political parties to unequivocally reject antisemitism and ensure it has no influence on government policy.