Despite their absence, Jews have a long and important history in Berlin, and many places in Berlin bear witness to that history. As a Jewish themed walking tour, we can explore Berlin to learn about this incredible history and see how integral Jewish society is and has been in the region and stand in defiance of hatred. Discover Berlin Jewish heritage with us, and learn about important sites, as well as any tips or recommendations for your trip.
The Jewish Museum Berlin
Your walking tour should begin at the famous Jewish Museum Berlin. Besides being an extremely old building which houses one of the biggest discoveries of Jewish historical items, people can get a taste of the Jewish life in Germany here. The building which houses the museum is visually appealing and captured the suffering and rising of German Jews in different periods.
Tips:
Therefore, you might want to make your bookings online in order to avoid the long line in each of these attractions.
Some of the exhibits displayed in a museum can be best understood by hiring or listening to an audio guide or participating in the guide tour.
The Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial is also situated nearby the Jewish Museum; it is the piece of memorial devoted to the memory of as many as six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The memorial raises two thousand, seven hundred and eleven concrete slabs set in different heights and orientations which gives a negative feel to the place. Spent some time thinking about the scale of this catastrophe and saying thank you for the lives that were lost.
Tips:
Everyone should take a trip to the subterranean Information Centre to find out more about the holocaust and the results it brought to Berlin.
It is worth to know that the quiet and polite behavior is expected when visiting this place.
The New Synagogue
Proceed further to New Synagogue an attractive building that remained standing during the Second World War due to bombings. It is this Moorish style synagogue that was once the heart of this once rich jewish neigbourhood of Berlin and now stands as a sign of hope. Take time to contemplate the details of the building, read a brief history about it, and take a moment to really look at the beauty of the space.
Tips:
Visit the website for the current operating schedule since this is an active place of worship.
Ideally go to the synagogue in the course of a religious service in order to better feel the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
The Stolpersteine
Once you’re strolling the streets of Berlin, watch for pavements with brass plates that tell a story of someone. These can be translated as Stolpersteine which are small paving stones placed throughout the country to honor the victims of Nazi persecution. On top of each stone is engraved, name and life dates of the victims whose lives were cut short by holocaust. It is firms worth to take some time and reflect at these stones, pay homage to the victims, victims of hate and discrimination.
Tips:
Closely plan the location of the Stolpersteine before starting your search so that a more effective search is achieved.
Please, do not trespass or oggle at people and cars while scouring the vicinity for the Stolpersteine.
Conclusion
Visiting Jewish sites of interest by walking tours is a moving and informative process that lets you feel and embrace the history of Berlin, to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and to appreciate the rising of the Jewish community once more. Starting with the Jewish Museum Berlin and the holocaust memorial, then the New Synagogue and finally the Stolpersteine, every visited place has its own particular story, intercalated with the others, fulfilling with positive and negative memories the whole requests of hope, remembrance and spirit. However, do not just turn up unprepared, make use of the resources you have and always appreciate the sites as they are. Discover the Jewish heritage of Berlin otherwise known as Berlin’s Hidden t Jewish past.
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