The Curio House at Rothenbaum Avenue, Hamburg, was established in honor of Carl-David Curio, the pioneer of the Reform Pedagogy in the 19th century.
Until 1936 the Jewish Culture Association was allowed to use its halls and facilities for performances and conferences, as well as for lectures on the Bible and other Jewish subjects given by Rabbi Joseph Carlebach and Rabbi Jacob Rosenheim. The halls were also used for learning circles studying the Bible, Talmud and Jewish history and for all kinds of musical performances.
Excerpt from a letter written by dancing teacher Erika Milee to Prof. Miriam Gillis-Carlebach, November 1990:
…After knowing Rabbi Carlebach from prayers and sermons in the synagogue, I was an enthusiast listener to his lectures on Michelangelo. I was enthralled by his wide knowledge of the renaissance period and the fine arts. It’s amazing how he succeeded in spellbinding everyone with his lectures which he delivered in a vivid and powerful way. While describing Michelangelo Buonarroti’s works and personality, we truly experienced the renaissance period – the stages of the genius sculptor’s works…
On Chanukah parties and other occasions, religious Rabbi Carlebach and liberal Rabbi Norden sat side by side.
At Curio-House, also chess championships were held – many times in Rabbi Carlebach’s presence, who may have served as judge – with his prominent Yarmulke (and not to forget the cigar…)
Of course there were school celebrations with their shows, like “The Little Blackamoor and the Gold Princess” and sports performances.
Ten year old Sara Carlebach – extremely musical and talented – conducted the choir and organized singing contests. These musical events caused hundreds of Hamburg Jews to gather together.
Dr. Jola (Joseph) Jacobsen composed the songbook for Jewish schools, “Hava Nashira“ (“Let us sing together”). In the Community Newspaper (17 January 1938), we found a report about a recital featuring music by Dvorak and Handel, performed by the singers Shalit and Covalsky, by a solo pianist, and not to forget cantor Leo Kornitzer.See photo album
Rabbi Carlebach, Rabbi Norden, Sara Carlebach and Dr. Jola Jacobsen(see photo album)
 Back |
 Next |