The Jewish Tour

Berlin’s Jewish community, from the time of Moses Mendelssohn and the Enlightenment, reached remarkable heights in science, creativity, and integration into German society. Yet, this is also one of history’s most tragic narratives. On this tour of Berlin Jewish heritage, we will explore the formation of the community, its golden era, and it’s devastating downfall—while also looking at Jewish life in Berlin today. Many of Berlin’s key Jewish institutions are located in Mitte, where the community was re-established in the second half of the 17th century. Here, you’ll find the Great Synagogue, the first Jewish cemetery, and various institutions that shaped daily life. By the late 19th century, wealthier German Jews began moving westward, while areas like Hackescher Markt and Grenadierstraße became centers for “Ostjuden” (Eastern European Jews), who arrived in Berlin fleeing pogroms.

Tour Highlights:

• Hackescher Markt – Our journey begins in this historic district, once home to many Jewish community institutions.
• Block of Women & First Synagogue Site – Discover the site of Berlin’s first synagogue, where the only public protest against the Nazis took place during WWII.
• Hackesche Höfe – Walk through this iconic courtyard complex, once a cultural and commercial hub for Berlin’s Jewish community.
• Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind – Visit this hidden museum, telling the story of Otto Weidt, who helped protect blind and deaf Jewish workers from deportation.
• Jewish-Orthodox Community of “Adas Israel” – See the historic home of Berlin’s Orthodox Jewish community.
• New Synagogue – Jewish Centre – Admire the stunning facade of this architectural masterpiece, a symbol of Berlin’s Jewish resilience.
• Moses Mendelssohn Gymnasium – Learn about the first Jewish school in Berlin, named after the great Jewish philosopher.
• Old Jewish Cemetery – Conclude the tour at one of Berlin’s most historically significant Jewish burial sites, where many prominent figures rest.

There is an option to extend the experience to additional locations upon request. These may include:

• The Jewish cemetery in Schönhauser Allee, the final resting place of prominent figures from Berlin’s Jewish heritage
• The Kindertransport memorial at Friedrichstraße, honoring the rescue of Jewish children before the Holocaust
• The deportation memorial at Grunewald station, where Berlin’s Jews were sent to their tragic fate (Gleis 17)
• Other sites based on personal interests

Tour Details:

• Private tour only (no public group tours)
• Duration: 3.5–4 hours
• Optional coffee break at a local café
• Booking: contact talternativeberlin@gmail.com

More about me in the Jewish context:

Beyond personal interest in Jewish wars, today and also in the 19th century (e.g., splits in the community due to the introduction of the organ; the embarrassment among German Jews with the arrival of Eastern European Jews), I also deal with history relevant to the subject professionally (post-doctorate on how the professional staff - today - at the Charité Hospital in Berlin deals with the hospital’s past in the 1930s and 1940s).