Oil lamps featuring a menorah were discovered in Augsburg in the 4th century. The city’s Jewish cultural heritage dates back a very long time, and its enthusiasm for sharing it is becoming increasingly contemporary. We meet Sarah Schwab, Head of Programming at the Augsburg Jewish Museum and organiser of the European Days of Jewish Culture…
Jguideeurope: Do you think that ‘Love’, the theme chosen this year for the European Days of Jewish Culture, represents a form of hope for a tikkun olam?
Sarah Schwab: In our programme, we understand the theme not only as romantic love but as an active commitment to solidarity, openness, trust and care. Hence, we hope to contribute to a better mutual understanding and to further solidarity in our community and the city.
What events are being organised for the European Days?
We are organizing free guided tours “with heart” in the museum throughout the day. For people in love, we offer a workshop on how to declare your love in Yiddish. Highlight of the day is a concert by the choir “Hatikva” and other musicians from the Jewish community of Augsburg that also features dance by the group “Yad be Yad”.
Can you share a fond memory from a previous edition?
I love organizing the European days of Jewish culture. For our whole team it is one of the most memorable days of the year. We enjoy opening our doors to many visitors, getting to know new people and sharing a day of joy and laughter in an atmosphere that feels like a family gathering.
Do you organise any other cultural events in autumn and winter?
We have planned an autumn full of events. For example, in October the 6th edition of the “Jewish Culture Week Augsburg Swabia” (Jüdische Kulturwoche Augsburg Schwaben) will take place. In seven days, numerous events will explore various aspects of the theme “Schpil! – play in Jewish culture”. We will also be showing an exhibition on Jewish sportsmen and sportswomen in Swabia. The exhibition was developed by students of Augsburg University together with the Bundesliga football club FC Augsburg and will be shown at Maximilianmuseum Augsburg.