The Jewish community of Bad Homburg
Providing a framework for Jewish refugees children who attended regular schools
About the school
Chabad of Bad Homburg provides a range of programs and services for the Jewish community. These include a daycare center for children, a Sunday school, and a Bat Mitzvah Club. The center also offers daily and weekly study sessions for men and women, known as "Kollel Torah".After the burst of the war in Ukraine, there was an urgent need to provide a framework for Jewish refugee children who attended regular schools. To address this need, Chabad of Bad Homburg established the "J-smart" program, which offers Jewish studies after school hours. The program is geared towards the Russian-speaking Jewish population, which comprises 95% of the community. Participants learn about Judaism and heritage, as well as Hebrew, English, and computers.
The "J-smart" program aims to foster a strong Jewish identity in children that will impact their lives in a meaningful way. It is designed for Russian-speaking children aged 3 to 13, who are divided into three different groups. Currently, approximately 30 children are enrolled in the program.
About the community
Bad Homburg is a town located in the state of Hessen in Germany. The Jewish community in Bad Homburg has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. In the 19th century, Bad Homburg became a popular spa town, attracting many wealthy visitors including Jewish patrons. As a result, the Jewish community in Bad Homburg grew in size and prosperity, with synagogues, schools, and community organizations. The first Israeli literature Noble Prize recepient, Shai Agnon, used to live and create in the city, until his house burnt down in 1924.
However, with the rise of the Nazi party and anti-Semitic sentiments in the 1930s, the Jewish community in Bad Homburg, like many other Jewish communities in Germany, faced persecution and discrimination. The Great Synagogue was destroyed in the Crystal Night in 1938. During World War II, many Jews from Bad Homburg were deported to concentration camps, and the Jewish community was destroyed.
Chabad of Bad Homburg was established In 2011 under the management of Rabbi Shalom Dovber and Mina Rabinowitz. The center offers a range of services and programs for the Jewish community, including weekly Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, educational classes, and social events