Reflections

November 2002

by Rabbi Sim Glaser

You may have noted that my mother, Agathe Glaser will be coming to Temple the weekend of November 8-10. I am pleased that she will be able to witness the rebirth and excitement surrounding the many activities in which temple is involved, and that I can share this extraordinary woman with you. Me, I’ve known her all my life.

It is no accident that she joins our community on this date, because it is the 64th anniversary of Kristallnacht – the night of the broken glass, the largest pogrom in the history of the world. On that night of November 9 in 1938, Hitler’s government gave permission to its citizens to destroy Jewish property. The glass windows in every German synagogue and Jewish shop were shattered. An enormous fine was imposed upon the Jews to pay for the very damage done to them. Kristallnacht signaled the hopelessness of the situation of European Jewry, and foreshadowed the terrible times ahead.

Agathe Maier was an 11-year-old witness to that terrible night and remembers it well. But she also remembers the rich, beautiful Jewish life of her family and community before that dark period. She has written about her life in Germany and her journey to safety halfway around the world, and looks forward to sharing her experiences and her candid responses to questions when she comes here. Mom will be speaking Friday evening at the Shir l’Shabbat service, visiting with our 5th and 6th graders over the weekend, and teaching alongside me at Torah study. During the following week, she will follow up on her continuing relationship with Jefferson School across the street, where she has spoken to children there who are studying the Anne Frank story.

My grandparents had the foresight to get my mother out of the country but were unable to save themselves. Her experiences as a young woman growing up in America, marrying a rabbinical student and raising a family tell a powerful tale of a very positive and strong woman. Obviously I am very proud of her and am looking forward to having you meet her during her visit to Temple Israel.