Emotional: The Holy Ark That Survived Kristallnacht
A brand plucked from fire: The holy ark that was saved from a fire in Germany on Kristallnacht was brought to Israel, located in the settlement of Carmel in the Hebron Hills, and even served residents during courtyard minyans during the Corona period. The heroic story of Mordechai Stern, a leader of the Jewish community in Karlsruhe.
- הידברות
- פורסם כ"ו ניסן התשפ"א
Yechezkel Stern with the holy ark (Photo: Har Hebron Public Relations) #VALUE!
Mordechai Stern was a leader of the community in the city of Karlsruhe, Germany, during Kristallnacht. He witnessed his synagogue engulfed in flames as the Germans set it on fire and carried out pogroms against the Jews.
With great courage, Mordechai entered into the fire and smoke and saved two Torah scrolls. He then returned inside the synagogue and rescued the magnificent holy ark and several other sacred items.
After the fire was extinguished, he entered the holy site again. The synagogue was completely burnt, except for his chair and a burnt prayer book that was in his prayer spot.
Years later, Mordechai managed to immigrate to Israel, bringing with him the sacred items now residing in the settlement of Carmel in the Hebron Hills. During the Corona period, the holy ark was used by Mordechai's grandson, Yechezkel Stern, at the outdoor courtyard minyans held in the settlement.
Yechezkel has preserved the ark over many decades and refuses to neglect it. "This ark, along with the Torah scrolls, is a sweet memory of my grandfather, of blessed memory, who performed an amazing act by entering and rescuing the synagogue's sacred items despite the great danger," he said. "My grandparents came to Israel and established a wonderful family with many descendants, which is our greatest victory over the Nazis."
Yochai Damari, head of the Hebron Hills Regional Council, added: "Seventy-five years ago, the Germans tried to kill us, not just physically. They aimed to destroy our tradition, heritage, and history. But the Jewish people, throughout all generations, have known how to keep the flame burning. It is very moving to see how even during the Holocaust, possibly the darkest period for the Jewish people, Jews risked their lives for a holy ark. An ark that is much more than just a carpentry creation; it represents our history, heritage, and tradition. We are very happy and excited that in the Hebron Hills, we continue to uphold and strengthen Jewish tradition and history."
