"Celebration of the Jewish Book" Fair in Duisburg, Germany

Historically known as the "People of the Book," Jews have a long tradition of writing, reading and debate originating with the study of Torah and interpretation of Jewish law. Today, throughout the Jewish world, from book expos in the former Soviet Union to Jewish cultural celebrations in Turkey, the celebration of learning continues.

Representative of Germany’s rapidly growing Jewish population, the Community of Duisburg, in cooperation with the JDC and support of the Chais Family Foundation, organized the "Celebration of the Jewish Book" event held on March 26, 2006.

Coordinated by specialized professionals with the support of a dedicated group of volunteers, the fair featured thousands of books for sale from German, German-Jewish, and Russian printing houses. Crowds of both German- and Russian-speakers came to Duisburg to hear lectures by well-known authors, academics and rabbis, whose workshops were led in multiple languages to classrooms overflowing with people. Among the guest appearances was acclaimed writer and Holocaust survivor, Edgar Hilsenrath.

"I like especially that Russian and non-Russian speakers enjoy cultural offerings together and in harmony," said George, a volunteer and participant.

Duisburg, in the Westfalia region of Germany, is a community of some 3,000 Jews. Like so many other Jewish communities in the country, 90% of the Jews living in Duisburg emigrated from the former Soviet Union — a trend that has made Germany the fastest growing Jewish community in the world today.

The Jewish population in Germany is, however, scattered among many towns and cities. Therefore, key to their growth and development is the creation of regional activities and opportunities for interaction among these communities. JDC is working in cooperation with the Chais Family Foundation to support events such as the "Celebration of the Jewish Book," which gather Jews from dozens of these locales in order to enrich their Jewish experience and education.

As part of the event, a special program was created for children. Young leaders, madrichim, prepared activities based on the event theme, and a storyteller offered a workshop for young kids.

"The project is something marvelous and completely unusual," offered Viktor, an enthralled participant who suggests making this festival an annual event. "It could develop into one of the most important [Jewish] intellectual meetings in Germany!"

April 2006