What's Happening?
Dr. Irene Aue-Ben-David, the director of the Leo Baeck Institute in Jerusalem, is spearheading efforts to preserve the history of German Jewry. Her work includes the Library of Lost Books project, which aims to recover books from the Higher Institute for Jewish
Studies in Berlin, and the creation of a digital archive. The institute, celebrating its 70th anniversary, focuses on making German-language documents accessible through translation, thereby preserving the liberal values of the German-speaking Jewish tradition. Aue-Ben-David, a historian specializing in German Jewish history, has been with the institute since 2015 and emphasizes the importance of translating German documents into Hebrew to reach a broader audience.
Why It's Important?
The preservation of German Jewish history is crucial for understanding the cultural and historical contributions of German-speaking Jews. The Leo Baeck Institute's efforts to translate and digitize historical documents ensure that these resources are accessible to future generations, fostering a deeper understanding of Jewish history and culture. This work not only preserves the past but also supports the cultural identity and continuity of Jewish communities worldwide. By making these documents available in Hebrew, the institute bridges a cultural gap, allowing more people to engage with and learn from this rich history.
