Talmud Torah of Minneapolis – Talmud Torah of Minneapolis 2012
Auction Ends: May 11, 2011 08:00 PM EDT

Judaica

"Synagogue at Oranienburger Strasse," Berlin Germany

Item Number
181
Estimated Value
50 USD
Sold
20 USD to erikadani
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this gorgeous 11 x 14 photo by local photographer Tamar Herman is a perfect example of that! 

Herman's photo features the Neue Synagogue, on Oranienburger Strasse in Berlin.   It is a RC (resin coated) print, shot in 1988.

The Neue Synagoge ("New Synagogue") was built 1859–1866 as the main synagogue of the Berlin Jewish community, on Oranienburger Strasse, formerly a center of Jewish life in Berlin.  Because of its splendid eastern Moorish style and resemblance to the Alhambra, it is an important architectural monument of the second half of the 19th century in Berlin.

Set on fire during Kristallnacht (9 November 1938), it was saved from total destruction by the actions of a Berlin police officer (Lieutenant Otto Bellgardt),  who dispersed the Nazi crowd and allowed access for the fire brigade.  The building was largely destroyed by Allied bombing in 1943, and most of the ruins were demolished in 1958 by the East German Authorities, leaving only the front section intact.

After the fall of the Berlin wall (one year after this photo was taken), reconstruction began.  By 1993, parts of the building close to the street were restored and housed a "Jewish Center".  The current congregation, established in 1995, is the Berlin community's sole Masorti (Conservative) synagogue. Most of the building today houses offices and a museum.

 

Item Special Note

Item will be available at Talmud Torah of Minneapolis for pick up. If shipping item is preferred, winner is responsible for costs of shipping, packing and insurance.

Donated By:

Tamar Herman Photography