Hear the echoes of a Yiddish lullaby as we gather around Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl. This isn’t just a sculpture it’s a poignant memorial. It stands as a testament to a community’s resilience.
Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl is a bronze sculpture by Filippa Pettersson. The sculpture commemorates the former Jewish Children’s Home. It was located at Hans-Thoma-Strasse 24 in Frankfurt am Main. The memorial remembers all the children and caregivers who lived there. These individuals were persecuted by the Nazis and became victims of the Shoah.
The sculpture’s design emerged from a 2016 competition. The aim was to create a lasting place of remembrance. The city wanted a work of art and a commemorative plaque. The location also needed to be incorporated into events for the school across the street. Pettersson’s concept was realized in 2017. The area was redesigned in collaboration with the artist. City planning and road construction officials were also involved.
The artist chose a dreidel as the sculpture’s motif. A dreidel is a spinning top traditionally played during Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. Like dice games, the dreidel game is a game of chance. Skill isn’t a factor. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It marks the end of persecution for those who fought for their traditions. They fought for self-determination and their faith.
Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl, the sculpture’s title, comes from the first line of a Yiddish children’s song. The song speaks of a little dreidel made of lead. Grown-ups who explore the Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl Sculpture closely will notice something special. Children may see it too, given their different perspective. Names are etched into the “ceiling” of the sculpture. These are the first names of children who once lived in the Jewish Children’s Home. Names like Bruno, Rolf, Judith, and Lea.
The sculpture invites interaction. Its size and material make it captivating. Touching the dreidel reveals a secret. Fingers seem to have traced the names. It’s as if the children secretly immortalized themselves. They left their mark in a hidden place.
Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl stands as a magical object in the city. It reminds us of a difficult past. It also celebrates the enduring spirit of a community. This memorial ensures that the children are never forgotten. It encourages reflection and remembrance.