Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, central Europe has seen a Jewish religious and cultural renaissance.
Jewish Homecoming is supporting Jewish life on the ground in countries which had seen entire communities destroyed. Now, through our efforts, the Jewish community is being supported. Families and even entire congregations are returning to Jewish tradition and values.
Hans Jörg Neuman
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Los Angeles
Facts on Jewish Life in Germany
Beginning in the late 1980s and continuing through 2004, huge numbers of immigrants came from the former Soviet Union. The influx of Soviet Jews revitalized community life, kosher food and restaurants, and grass-root organizations. This wave of immigration has made Germany the fastest growing Jewish community in Europe, and of the most dynamic in the world.
The Jewish Museum Berlin, a division of the Berlin museum, officially opened in 2001 and is notable both for its location and its contents. It contains a myriad of Judaic items and artifacts, some more than 800 years old. Millions have visited since its opening, making it one of the most visited Jewish sites in all of Europe.
In 2012, Peter Feldmann was elected as mayor of Frankfurt and became the first Jew to hold the position since the1930s.
Germany has become one of Israel‛s largest trading partner in Europe.
There are 120 Jewish congregations in Germany, but only twenty have full-time rabbis.
Jewish Homecoming Founders
Rabbi Esther Jonas-Maertin
RabbiJonasMaertin@jewishhomecoming.org
Rabbi Esther Jonas-Maertin grew up in Leipzig, Germany, and graduated with a MA in Jewish Studies, Comparative Religions and Modern History Studies from Potsdam University. She received rabbinic ordination from The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and master’s degree in Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University.
As one of the few female rabbis in (East-) Germany she is creating innovative Jewish programs, infusing passion and energy with a deep respect of tradition. She is directing successful programming, including religious, educational and social events.
Rabbi Esther Jonas-Maertin is committed to engaging, growing and strengthening the community through meaningful relationships and relevant Jewish experiences.
As one of the few female rabbis in (East-) Germany she is creating innovative Jewish programs, infusing passion and energy with a deep respect of tradition. She is directing successful programming, including religious, educational and social events.
Rabbi Esther Jonas-Maertin is committed to engaging, growing and strengthening the community through meaningful relationships and relevant Jewish experiences.
Rabbi Mark Blazer
ravmark@jewishhomecoming.org
Rabbi Blazer is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Ami in Santa Clarita, California. He is the founder of the Albert Einstein Academies, charter schools with 6 campuses in California and Ohio. He is also directing the establishment of the Southern California Center for Jewish Life, a multi-generational state of the art campus in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Rabbi Blazer serves as chaplain for the LA County Sheriff’s Department and has served as chaplain for the California Department of Corrections. He is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego and studied at Oxford University, in England, and received ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion.
Rabbi Blazer serves as chaplain for the LA County Sheriff’s Department and has served as chaplain for the California Department of Corrections. He is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego and studied at Oxford University, in England, and received ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion.
Hannah Petersen
hannah@jewishhomecoming.org
Hannah was born in Northern Germany near Bremen. Her involvement in Jewish life in Germany and the United States has given her a unique perspective and knowledge of both communities. She has participated in congregations in several cities including, Hanover, Bielefeld and Pinneberg.
Hannah has long been committed to revitalizing a community with such historic and cultural importance. The knowledge and passion she brings to German Jewish life has helped her create meaningful connections across the country, and throughout the world.
Hannah has long been committed to revitalizing a community with such historic and cultural importance. The knowledge and passion she brings to German Jewish life has helped her create meaningful connections across the country, and throughout the world.
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Jewish Homecoming is facilitating the rebirth of Jewish life in a land that gave rise to Ashkenazi Judaism.
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