© via Netzwerk Israel
Meirav Meidan is a Jewish studies scholar who teaches Jewish philosophy, mysticism (Kabbalah), and feminist perspectives on Jewish tradition. She teaches at Beit Midrash institutions, traditional Jewish study centers, for both religious and secular participants.
For Meirav, the Old Synagogue in Hechingen in Baden-Württemberg is more than a historical site—it is home. Here she meets friends, learns, and teaches. It is a place she returns to again and again. Her connection to Hechingen began years ago and has blossomed once more thanks to the scholarship.
The history of the synagogue in Hechingen goes back a long way
A new synagogue was built on this site as early as 1767. The Jewish community in Hechingen had existed since the 16th century. During the Nazi era, the interior of the synagogue was destroyed. After the war, there was no longer a Jewish community in Hechingen – only a few Jewish residents of Hechingen survived the Shoah, some in exile, some locally.
“This room, now empty and abandoned, is a silent witness to the murders, destruction, and devastation that took place in this sacred place. It is a place where silence and stillness speak.” This is how Meirav describes the atmosphere of the synagogue.
In the early 1970s, J. Anthony Gray and Henry Hofheimer – both originally from Hechingen and who fled the Nazis in 1938 – made futile efforts to preserve the synagogue as a memorial. It was not until 1979 that committed citizens joined forces to form the Hechingen Synagogue Initiative. Three years later, they were able to purchase the dilapidated building and begin renovations. In the roof truss, they discovered a genizah – an archive for used religious writings. In 1986, the restored synagogue was reopened as a memorial and meeting place.
Impressions and experiences
Meirav describes the synagogue: “The synagogue building is now complete, and its beauty is breathtaking. Standing in the hall under a painted dome of stars, you feel the majesty and splendor that are part of the experience of being in the house of God. Looking at the delicately painted walls or reading the Hebrew inscriptions, you can't help but feel a sense of calm.”
Today, the Old Synagogue is a vibrant place of cultural and interfaith exchange. Around 100 members are actively involved there. Meirav also returns regularly – to visit friends, share the place with her family, or implement new projects and events. She teaches, designs educational formats, and contributes her perspective from Israel. The coronavirus pandemic interrupted her trips to Germany. Two years later, she planned her return with a new project idea: a seminar on the four elements.
October 7, 2023 marked a profound turning point – both for Meirav's situation in Israel and for her connection to Hechingen. Meirav describes feeling transported back to one of the darkest periods in Israeli history.
For the first time, she hesitated to travel to Germany: “I was afraid to return to Germany – not necessarily for my own safety, but because of the mood toward Israel. Would people be willing to see our suffering? (...) Would criticism of Israel mix with new anti-Semitism and make any dialogue impossible?”
Returning to Hechingen gave her confidence. She was relieved to find that she still had friends and partners there.
She found understanding and solidarity – despite differing opinions: "In the committee of the Hechingen Synagogue Initiative, we asked ourselves: We want to show solidarity with Jews in Israel, but does that exclude solidarity with Palestinians? Is our task today to show solidarity with Jews in Israel, or should we also try to make our political voices heard? Although we had different opinions, I felt among friends and still part of this community."
Outlook
As part of her scholarship, Meirav once again worked intensively with the synagogue initiative.
She provided valuable input for the current exhibition, held numerous discussions, established new connections with committed individuals, and organized workshops and open discussion groups, including with school classes.
This experience made a particular impression on her: "The students, some of whom came from countries such as Syria, Iran, or Afghanistan, which tend to be hostile toward Israel, listened to me with open hearts. They listened attentively, asked respectful questions, and showed genuine interest. That was very meaningful to me. It felt as if the door to conversation had been opened with them."
Meirav has many new ideas for the future to further strengthen the connection between Israel and Germany, especially between Hechingen and Israel. For example, she would like to realize a project on Jewish holidays for the 40th anniversary of the reopening of the synagogue in 2026. The goal is to make Jewish life more visible, for example through an exhibition in which prayers can be heard and information about the holidays is made accessible.
