Rescuing Torah Scrolls from the Flames of Kristallnacht

Mordechai Stern was one of the leaders of the Jewish community in Karlsruhe, Germany, during Kristallnacht. He stood and watched as his synagogue went up in flames, set ablaze by the Germans who carried out pogroms against the Jews.

With immense courage, Mordechai ran inside, into the fire and smoke, and managed to save two Torah scrolls. Then he returned once more into the burning synagogue and rescued the ornate Holy Ark along with several other sacred items.

When the fire finally died down, Mordechai went back again into the charred ruins. The entire synagogue had been destroyed — except for his personal seat and a scorched prayer book that had been left where he used to pray.

Years later, Mordechai managed to immigrate to Israel, bringing the sacred items with him. Today, they are preserved in the community of Carmel in the Hebron Hills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Holy Ark was used by Mordechai’s grandson, Yechezkel Stern, for outdoor prayer gatherings held in the neighborhood.

Yechezkel has guarded the Ark for decades and refuses to neglect it. “This Ark, together with the Torah scrolls, is a cherished memory of my grandfather, of blessed memory, who performed an incredible act when he entered the burning synagogue and saved the sacred objects despite the great danger,” he said. “My grandparents came to Israel and built a glorious family with many descendants — we are their greatest victory over the Nazis.”

Yochai Damri, head of the Har Hevron Regional Council, added: “Seventy-five years ago the Germans tried not only to kill us physically, but also to destroy our tradition, our heritage, our history. Yet the Jewish people, throughout all generations, knew how to keep the flame alive. It is deeply moving to see how even during the Holocaust — the darkest period in our history, Jews risked their lives for a Holy Ark. An Ark is not just carpentry; it represents our history, our heritage, and our tradition. We are so moved and grateful to see that in Har Hevron, the chain continues, strengthening Jewish tradition and history.”